Stephanie Ferguson of the Texas Department of Health Services Big Spring clinic, said the vaccine is now available for no charge at her facility.

Vaccinations, which will be by appointment only, can be reserved by calling 263-9782.

Persons currently eligible for the vaccine are pregnant women, children and young adults between 6 months and 24 years of age, persons 25 to 64 years of age with high risk health conditions, health care workers and those who have close contact with infants.

Vaccinations will be dispensed Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the DSHS clinic located at 501 Birdwell Lane. Future vaccination dates will depend on vaccine availability, Ferguson said.

“If you are not in one of those categories or unable to get an appointment, please be patient with us,” Ferguson said. “These are our priority patients, as defined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Due to manufacturing delays, quantities are limited for now. As the vaccine supply increases, it will be directed to more priority groups and later to the general population.”

As always, Ferguson added, check with your local healthcare provider to see if they have the vaccine available. DSHS is using a Google-powered Flu Vaccine Locator service to help people find the H1N1 vaccine in their communities. This can be found at www.texasflu.org

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