Contact: Betsy Meredith, Lane County Public Health, 541-682-4041

Lane County Public Health and local pharmacies have partnered to provide the H1N1 vaccine free-of-charge. Adults and children 15 years of age and older now have more ways to get the vaccine near their homes.

Community members over 15 years old and who are uninsured can get a free H1N1 flu vaccine at the Fred Meyer pharmacies on West 11th and Santa Clara, the River Road Health Mart pharmacy and at any Bi-Mart pharmacy in Lane County.

“We’re grateful to our participating partners for helping us make sure that cost isn’t a barrier to this disease preventing service,” said Betsy Meredith, Lane County Public Health nursing supervisor.

Lane County Public Health is able to work with pharmacies to extend the scope of free H1N1 vaccine thanks to federal funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC.

Lane County Public Health continues to work to add additional pharmacies, to make it more convenient for everyone to access the vaccine. People should check with their local pharmacy to see if free vaccine is available. Right now is a great time to get vaccinated, as normally flu cases increase in late winter and last until May.

Children and community members over 6 months of age may also come to Lane County Public Health for free H1N1 vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday (except Wed., Feb. 17) at 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene. Appointments are also available by calling 541-682-4041.

H1N1 vaccine is widely available and many health care providers and pharmacies offer vaccine to their clients with health insurance or at low cost. Lane County Public Health offers other free vaccination opportunities, including Tuesdays at Gateway Mall, Wednesdays at the Valley River Center, and at Lane Community College on Thursday, February 18. A complete list of vaccine locations, including free and low cost options, is available at www.lanecounty.org or www.google.com/flushot.

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

541.682.3718