Anyone in Gulf County who wants a swine flu shot has the opportunity.

The Gulf County Health Department has been running inoculation centers, or PODs (Point of Distribution) for several weeks, targeting high-risk populations first, as shipments of H1N1 vaccine arrived in the county. Now, the general public will have its turn in the next few weeks as the health department holds another round of PODS.

The schedule is:

Tuesday, Nov. 17, Port St. Joe Elementary School, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. ET - students, young adults (all with properly signed parent consent forms) and parents. Also included in this POD will be people in past target groups who did not get vaccinated earlier.

Friday, Nov. 20, Port St. Joe Fire Station on Williams Avenue (behind City Hall), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET - general public

Week of Thanksgiving - general public at both the Wewahitchka and Port St. Joe Health Departments, regular clinic hours

Tuesday, Dec. 1, in Wewahitchka, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Time, location TBA - general public

The Gulf County Health Department has been the source for H1N1 vaccinations so far in the county. In a recap of all H1N1 vaccinations already given to Gulf County residents, a survey from the health department showed that most of the county's students had elected not to receive the inoculation. The survey covered two weeks of in-school vaccinations at all three Port St. Joe schools, all three schools in Wewahitchka, plus Faith Christian School and both sections of North Florida Child Development (NFCD) centers.

Of the total 655 vaccinations given during both weeks, 647 took place in the first week. Port St. Joe Elementary School saw approximately 42 percent of its students vaccinated (223 out of 523 students).

Twenty-four percent of Wewahitchka Elementary students received the vaccine (94 out of 390).

NFCD South vaccinated 59.72 percent of its students; NFCD North 48.72 percent of its students. Surprisingly, no students at all from Wewahitchka Middle or High Schools opted to receive the vaccination, out of 220 and 260 students, respectively. Eighteen percent of Port St. Joe Middle School students received a vaccination, and just 5.31 percent of Port St. Joe High School students.

The latest report from the Florida Department of Health on H1N1 (Swine) flu states that children under nine years old and young adults are at greatest risk for contracting the H1N1 flu. Caregivers of very young children or daycare personnel are also encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccine to prevent transmission to at-risk groups.

H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines are available in two types: 1) an inactive injectable vaccine (containing killed virus), approved for people older than six months, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease; and 2) a nasal spray made with live, weakened flu virus that does not cause the flu. The nasal spray is recommended for people ages two through 49 years old who are not pregnant and do not have health problems or compromised immune systems.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is voluntary and is offered to the public at no charge. However, some counties in the state are reportedly charging an administrative fee for giving the inoculation. Gulf County is not charging any fee, according to Gulf County Health Department administrator Doug Kent.

The Florida Department of Health recommends anyone within the priority groups get vaccinated, even if they believe they have already contracted H1N1. Unless a person has had a state laboratory confirmed cased of H1N1, it cannot be certain they have actually contracted H1N1, a spokesperson said.

Anyone wanting more information can call the Florida Flu information Line (1-877-352-3581). It is an automated help line that can answer general questions about H1N1 and is available in English, Spanish and Creole. Callers can also speak with an operator from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Fighting H1N1 is a three-step approach, according to the FDOH: 1) getting a vaccination; 2) practicing everyday prevention including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick; and 3) using antiviral drugs correctly if your health professional recommends them. For more information, visit www.myflusafety.com.