• Scale Back Alabama 2010 - Participants are in their second week of the 10-week, weight-loss competition, encouraging Alabama adults to eat less and exercise more. Week 2 addresses the importance of portion control. Learn more>>
  
  
• New H1N1 Vaccine Commercials - The H1N1 vaccine is now available to everyone.
  
  

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• Alabama State Loan Repayment Program - The Alabama Department of Public Health Office of Primary Care and Rural Health is seeking applicants for a new Alabama State Loan Repayment Program which will assist more than 20 qualified healthcare professionals in exchange for two years of service in a health professional shortage area. Learn more>>
  
  
• Colorectal Cancer Testing with the FIT - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cancer killer in Alabama, but it is largely preventable through screenings. New technology makes screening affordable, easy, and convenient. Screening can be done at home without a colonoscopy by using Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT). Learn more>>
  
  
• Free N95 Respirators for Healthcare Providers - ADPH's Center for Emergency Preparedness is now accepting requests for N95 respirators from healthcare providers who provide direct patient care to those who have confirmed, suspected, or probable influenza. This is a one-time offer of a limited amount of N95 respirators. Learn more>>
  
  
• Do 10 - ADPH's new program lets people know the 10 things to do to prevent the flu. Learn more>>
  
  
• InFLUmation Newsletters - InFLUmation is a weekly newsletter created to inform H1N1 providers on H1N1 happenings in Alabama. Learn more>>
  
  

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H1N1 Flu Vaccine Now Available Everyone

Effective December 22, ADPH is offering H1N1 influenza vaccine to the entire community. Previously the vaccine was restricted to those in priority groups at greatest risk of complications from the disease.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from this potentially serious disease. Vaccine is now available in all county health departments, and all health care providers who have requested it have been sent some portion of their orders. We have removed all restrictions, and everyone is now eligible for this safe and effective vaccine.

Alabama has recorded its seventeenth consecutive week of widespread influenza activity, and virtually all influenza has been confirmed as being H1N1.School absenteeism rates remain far above average. Thirty-seven documented deaths from influenza-like illnesses have occurred in Alabama since July.

In January, school-based clinics will be held for Alabama students ages 10 and older. Information packets will be sent to parents approximately one week before the vaccine is given.

Children under 10 years old need two doses of the vaccine approximately four weeks apart. During January and February those students who were given nasal mist vaccine during December will be offered the second dose. Upcoming school clinics for children under 10 will use the nasal mist vaccine, whether it is their first or second dose. Those children who are getting their first dose will need to get the second dose at their doctor’s office or at the health department.

Health care providers may not charge for the vaccine itself but may charge for administering the vaccine. There is no charge for the H1N1 immunization at county health departments. Please visit the H1N1 Clinic Locations page or call your local county health department for clinic dates, times, and locations or to learn more.