Community partnerships bring H1N1 vaccination clinics to area

Colorado Springs is one of 10 national sites collaborating with community partners to bring H1N1 flu vaccinations to disparate populations. The project stems from a National Health and Human Services Faith and Neighborhood Initiative and is being managed by the National Interfaith Health Program through Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.Local participants are members of the Colorado Springs Interfaith and Health Program, and include Penrose-St. Francis Mission Outreach, Memorial Health System, UCCS Beth-El School of Nursing, Westside CARES and the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment.These H1N1 vaccination clinics are in addition to – and in cooperation with – the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment. Vaccinations will be free and provided on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last to people in the following high-risk groups:

• pregnant women
• parents/caretakers for children younger than 6 months
• all people 6 months through 24 years of age
• people age 25 through 64 years with chronic health conditions
• health care workers

Those arriving ill or showing signs of illness will not be vaccinated and will be asked to go home. Please leave sick children home with adult supervision and attend with well children only. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.Clinics will be held at:Southeast YMCA, Jetwing Drive and Chelton Road, Saturday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m.Tri-Lakes Cares, 235 Jefferson St., Monument, Colo., Monday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.Northern Churches Cares at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel, 4285 N. Academy Blvd., Thursday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m.Catholic Charities at the Marion House, 14 W. Bijou St. (in collaboration with SET Homeless clinic), Friday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Woodmen Valley Chapel, 290 E. Woodmen Road, Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to noonWestside CARES, 1930 W. Colorado Ave., Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noonPlease visit www.penrosestfrancis.org or www.elpasocountyhealth.org for up-to-date information on H1N1 flu and risk factors.