LISBON - Pregnant women with prior doctor referrals and health care workers who deal directly with patients can begin receiving the H1N1 vaccine this week at free clinics sponsored by the Columbiana County Health Department.

The clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and then next week at the same time on Oct. 26, 27, 28 and 29 at the health department headquarters, 7360 state Route 45, Lisbon.

According to a press release issued by the health department, first responder EMTs already received the H1N1 nasal Flu Mist vaccine last week at clinics near Calcutta and Columbiana. Health care workers and EMTs who didn't receive the vaccine already can attend the free clinics this week and next.

Pregnant women must have a prior referral on record from their doctor in order to receive the vaccine. The press release said the prior referral can be in the form of a phone call from their doctor to the health department at 330-424-0272.

A registration form can be downloaded from the Ohio Department of Health Web site at www.odh.ohio.gov or can be filled out at the health department.

The groups mentioned are part of the health department's first tier of target populations the Centers for Disease Control have recommended receive the H1N1 vaccine first. Other targeted populations will include people who live with or care for children younger than six months old, children age 6 months to 24 years old and people age 25 to 64 who have chronic medical conditions.

More than 65 H1N1 vaccine providers have been registered with the county health department and will receive and distribute the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available in the coming weeks.

People are also being urged to receive a seasonal flu shot. Many providers have already been giving seasonal flu shots, with the health department planning to hold clinics the week of Oct. 26, according to the press release, although times weren't announced.

No dates have been announced for other clinics for H1N1 vaccine distribution, including when the vaccine will be distributed at area schools. The health department has been working closely with school districts in the county to prepare for mass vaccination.

In the meantime, health officials are stressing the need for residents to use good hygiene habits and common sense during the flu season, especially with the H1N1 flu pandemic gripping the nation.

According to the ODH Web site, residents should follow these tips:

- Get a seasonal flu shot. The Web site said, "While this does not protect you from pandemic H1N1, it will keep you healthy and fight off seasonal flu."

- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then throw the tissue away.

- If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.

- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing or using the restroom and before eating. If no soap or water is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

- Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth since germs can spread this way.

- Stay away from people who are sick.

- If sick, stay home from work or school.

For information on the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, call the phone line at 1-866-800-1404.

mgreier@salemnews.net