KVSC has learned about a number of opportunities to receive the H1N1 vaccine locally, just before the holidays. Stearns County is hosting three community clinics this week. The clinics are meant for people who don’t have insurance or are under-insured, as well as children in school. The first clinic is being held today at the St. Boniface Parish Center on Main Street in Cold Spring from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. The second clinic will be held tomorrow at the Stearns County Service Center on County Road 138 in Waite Park from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. The third and clinic will be held Thursday at the Human Services Offices on 1st Avenue in Melrose from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Appointments for these clinics are not required but Public Health is asking that people register for a timeframe to report to the clinic. To register for the vaccination, call 1-877-STCLOUD. That phone number will be operational through 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 16th.

Another H1N1 vaccine clinic has been scheduled for all CentraCare Clinic patients from 1:30 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the CentraCare Clinic for Women and Children. CentraCare Clinic patients from any site must call (320) 654-3610, ext. 70344, for an appointment.

CentraCare is also taking appointments for patients to receive the seasonal flu shot. That clinic will be held Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the CentraCare Health Plaza. To schedule an appointment, call (320) 229-4928.