Influenza is unpredictable and while we do not know the likelihood of a future wave of H1N1 influenza, we do know that vaccination is one of the most important steps in protecting against the flu. If more people are vaccinated, the disease is less likely to spread in coming months.

Sunday, January 10, marks the beginning of National Influenza Vaccination Week. The Sioux Falls Health Department, in partnership with Avera McKennan and Sanford Health, would like to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and their community by getting vaccinated.

Additional community H1N1 vaccination events are being planned for January 19 at Kenny Anderson Community Center, 3701 East Third Street, and January 28 at MariCar Community Center, 400 North Valley View Road. Both events will run from 2 to 6 p.m.

These free events are open to all individuals. If you have not already done so, please consider getting vaccinated. Children age nine or under need a second dose of the vaccine a minimum of 28 days after their first vaccination.

Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately with easy access to the upper shoulder area to expedite the vaccination process.

To receive an H1N1 vaccination, individuals must fill out a medical consent form. The forms are available on the City of Sioux Falls’ website. www.siouxfallsflu.org

If you have any questions, please contact Public Health Manager Sandy Frentz at (605) 367-8767.