Hamilton County: H1N1 vaccine now available to all

In Chattanooga, H1N1 vaccine is now available through the public health department to anyone age 65 and younger, local health officials said today.

Like public health departments nationwide, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department had until now prioritized vaccinations for certain high-risk groups because of limited supply.

But the department is finally receiving a steady shipment of vaccine supply, spokeswoman Jennifer Yim said today.

The new eligibility guidelines apply to both the vaccine in shot form and the nasal spray FluMist, although only healthy, nonpregnant people are medically approved to receive the nasal spray.

To make an appointment for the free vaccine, call the health department’s hotline at 209-8393 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.