Seasonal flu vaccinations have been available from healthcare providers since earlier this month and doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine should be available by the end of the month.

Stephanie Ferguson, team leader at the Department of State Health Services Big Spring office, said her department has dispensed almost 3,000 doses of the seasonal vaccine and noted that other healthcare agencies, including hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, have been busy as well.

The DSHS clinic is dispensing vaccines between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. every Wednesday to those 6 months of age or older. Cost is $10 per person, but those on Medicare or Medicaid will not be charged.

Vaccinations also are available at Leonard's Pharmacy between 10 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The vaccines cost $30 and are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. No appointment is necessary.

Physicians at Scenic Mountain Medical Center and Malone-Hogan Clinic also have vaccinations available, a spokesperson said.

Ferguson said there are common-sense steps people can take to lower their risk of infection, including regular washing of hands, covering one's nose with a tissue when sneezing and avoiding persons who are sick with the flu.

Dr. Scott W. Barclay, a local physician who specializes in family medicine, seconded Ferguson's comments.

“The best way to avoid a cold or flu is to minimize your risks of illness,” Barclay said in a statement. “The number-one tactic to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations.”

If you contract the flu, treatment is basically the same, regardless of strain. Ferguson and Barclay both urge people to visit their healthcare provider, as well as taking such time-honored steps as getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of water or juice

“For mild cases of influenza, plenty of rest, liquids and over-the-counter medicines will help ease symptoms,” Barclay stated. “Over-the-counter cold and flu medications may help lessen symptoms like a cough and congestion, but these medications will not reduce your likelihood of spreading the flu.”

Vaccinations against H1N1 (commonly called swine flu) are scheduled to arrive locally later this month. Ferguson said those doses would be dispensed according to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control.

For more information on vaccinations, contact the DSHS clinic at 263-9775 or your healthcare provider.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it