Sampson Regional Medical Center will offer free H1N1 vaccines through PriorityCare-Clinton from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, or as long as the vaccine supply lasts. PriorityCare is located at 522 Beaman St., immediately across from the hospital in the office formerly occupied by Dr. Tim Smith.

With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness on the local level, as well as across the United States, Sampson Regional is taking an important step in offering the vaccinations as a community service in an effort to counter a possibly severe flu outbreak. PriorityCare will offer both forms of the H1N1 vaccine, nasal mist and injectable.

Groups recommended to receive the H1N1 vaccine include:

• Pregnant women

• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months

• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

• Children ages 6 months to 24 years

• Persons 25 to 64 years of age with underlying health issues

The nasal FluMist vaccine is available and recommended for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49 years of age. Injections are available for persons who are between 4 and 49 years of age who have chronic medical conditions, for anyone who is pregnant and for persons who are between 50 to 64 years of age.

For additional information, contact PriorityCare-Clinton at 590-2916.