The H1N1 vaccine is available

Vaccinations for the H1N1 influenza virus are available, and we encourage anyone who is among those deemed at highest risk of contracting the disease to get the shot.

H1N1, also known as the swine flu, emerged in the U.S. last spring. Since then there have been cases, some fatal, across the country, including five deaths in Nassau County. The fifth, an unidentified child, was confirmed by the Nassau County Department of Health last week.

The disease has led to an emphasis on increasing sanitary practices in schools, businesses and other places occupied by lots of people. Hands-free soap and paper towel dispensers are more common, and waterless hand-sanitizing liquids have become the norm.

For those who are wary, uncertain or simply uninformed about the vaccine, there is lots of information online, at www.flu.gov and at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/

Health/index.html. County residents can also call the health department’s H1N1 call center at (888) 684-4271, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale are host clinics for the vaccination, which is being offered free of charge. Note that it is available only to members of priority groups that were determined by the Centers for Disease Control:

■ Pregnant women

■ Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months

■ Health care and emergency services personnel

■ All people ages 24 years and younger

■ Those ages 25 through 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The following vaccination dates have been announced:

■ Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow: Dec. 3, 10 and 16, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

■ A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, 875 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale: Dec. 8 and 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

■ North Shore-LIJ at the Town of North Hempstead’s Clinton G. Martin Park, 1650 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park: Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

■ North Shore-LIJ at Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville: Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

■ Nassau County Department of Health at Nassau Community College, Building P, Physical Education Complex, East Campus, One Education Drive, Garden City: Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.