POINT PLEASANT — On Saturday, Halloween wasn’t the only thing on area residents’ minds.

This was evident by the large line that could be seen outside of the Mason County Health Department. The line was for the county’s first H1N1 vaccine clinic, which took place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

More clinics are scheduled this month for those who did not have the opportunity to receive the H1N1 vaccine. The next clinic will be 2 to 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9 at Ashton Baptist Church. Additional clinics are scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the New Haven Community Center; 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 at the Leon Town Hall; and noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 at the health department.

According to the health department, more clinics will be scheduled as the weekly supply increases. The H1N1 vaccine clinics are currently targeted for the top five priority groups as designated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Those included in the top five target groups are pregnant women; household contact or caregiver of children under the age of six months; health care workers including emergency medical service personnel; those between the ages of six months and 24 years old; and those between the ages of 25 and 64, who have one or more health conditions associated with a higher risk of complications from influenza.

In order for pregnant women to receive the H1N1 vaccine they must have a prescription from their OB provider. Those who do not fit into the priority groups will not be able to participate in clinics at this time. However, the vaccine will be available for everyone once the vaccine supply increases and it is believed that the high risk priority groups’ needs are met. Vaccine supply is expected to be ongoing through November and December until all individuals who want the vaccine are able to receive it.

The vaccine is now available in both injectable and nasal mist form. The health department urges healthy individuals between the ages of two and 49 to take the nasal mist form as the injectable supply is currently limited. The injectable vaccine does contain small amounts of the preservative Thimerasol, while the nasal mist does not.

This is the first time that an H1N1 vaccine has been offered. According to the health department, the vaccine has been tested and is as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine. The side effects of the H1N1 vaccine are similar to the seasonal flu vaccine. Those who receive either form of the vaccine cannot get H1N1 flu. Individuals advised not to receive the vaccine include those who are allergic to eggs or have had an allergic reaction to any other vaccine. Individuals with a history of Guillan Barre Syndrome also should not receive the H1N1 vaccine.

The H1N1 flu is a new flu virus. It is very different from seasonal influenza viruses, although the symptoms are similar. The H1N1 virus spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and sometimes by touching objects that have been contaminated by the virus. Symptoms of H1N1 include a sore throat, cough and fever greater than 100 degrees. Diarrhea, vomiting, chills and body aches also have been reported as symptoms of H1N1.

According to Diana Riddle, administrator and nursing director of the Mason County Health Department, those who have H1N1 typically feel better within a week. However, in some cases those affected have experienced pneumonia and other serious illnesses that require hospitalization. Riddle also said that the best way to stop the spread of H1N1 is to wash hands and stay home from work or school when sick.

For more information on vaccination clinics or the H1N1 flu itself, call the (304) 675-3050.