As of Wednesday, Dec. 9, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department began vaccinating all people against H1N1. There are no restrictions on who can be vaccinated.

There is no charge for the health department-sponsored clinics.

No appointments are required for the following clinics:
• Van Buren ISD Technology Center, 250 South St., Lawrence, Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

• Dowagiac Middle School, 57072 Riverside Drive St., Dowagiac, Thursday Dec. 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Appointments are required for the following clinics:
• Hartford office, Friday, Dec. 11 and 18, (269) 621-3143

• Cassopolis office, Monday, Dec. 14, (269) 445-5280

• Paw Paw office, Wednesday, Dec. 16, (269) 657-5516

• Shoreline Wellness and Rehab Center, Monday, Dec. 14, (269) 639-2805

Additional clinics will be scheduled after the holidays.

Although the health department has seen relatively lower levels of flu activity in the community in recent weeks, H1N1 is still circulating.

Adults and children 10 years and older will need only one dose of the vaccine. Children 9 years and younger will need two doses of vaccine four weeks apart. Children under 6 months are too young for the vaccine.

For more information, visit www.vbcassdhd.org.