In accordance with the Maine Center for Disease Control’s recommendation that all Mainers get the H1N1 vaccine, Waldo County General Hospital has scheduled four flu clinics during the next couple of weeks.

The free H1N1 clinics, which will be held at the Education Center next to the hospital, are set for:

• Monday, Dec. 21, from 8 a.m. to noon. Seasonal flu shots will also be offered at this clinic for $10 each. All  H1N1 shots are free of charge;

• Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.;

• Monday, Dec. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon; and

• Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Dr. Dora Mills, Director of the Maine CDC, said her department encourages all Mainers to get the H1N1 vaccine, although the disease surge is currently declining. “We fully expect the virus to be circulating for months and even years to come. With increasing amounts of vaccine in Maine, now is the time for all of us to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Mills.

She added that the Maine CDC especially recommends those in high priority groups seek vaccine, including pregnant women, people ages six months through two years of age; people with underlying medical conditions who are 25 to 64 years of age; caregivers of young infants under six months; and all healthcare workers.