MILLVILLE — Regional swine flu clinics for the administration of first and second doses of the H1N1 vaccine to the community got under way yesterday afternoon and continue through Jan. 25 on a weekly basis.

The initial clinic was in Hopewell Township near Bridgeton Jan. 5; they continue on this schedule between 4 & 6 p.m. at:

• Downe Township Ele­mentary School—Tuesday, Jan. 12;

• Millville’s Lakeside Middle School gymnasium—Thursday, Jan. 21;

• Bridgeton High School—Monday, Jan. 25.

The clinics this month are taking place at various locations throughout the county where they will be available to any resident of the county; however, the Health Department is recommending that residents take advantage of the clinic in their area.

“We are still encouraging all Cumber­land County residents to attend the clinic that is in their area rather than going to the first one offered,” explains Health Depart­ment publicist Annmarie Ruiz. “We are do­ing this to ensure shorter lines, shorter wait time and a calmer experience for everyone.”

The Cumberland County Health Department, which is now able to vaccinate individuals outside of the original priority group, is opening the clinics to any Cumberland or Salem County resident wishing to receive the vaccine.

Children, ages 9 & younger, are supposed to get a second dose of the N1H1 vaccine at least 28 days after the first dose to make sure they have full immunity.

There is no loss of immunity from waiting longer than 28 days for the second dose; however, if a child gets their second dose before the recommended wait time, they may not be fully immune.

Anyone who received a H1N1 shot also received a yellow card as a record of this first dose. Parents bringing their children for a second dose are encouraged to have this card as proof of a first dose to ensure they waited long enough between doses.

“Your child may still be vaccinated if you forget or have misplaced this card,” says Ruiz, “however, please be prepared to answer questions about their first dose.”

Consent forms for all persons are available online at www.cshealth.org to be filled out ahead of time and they will also be available at the entrance of the clinic. For more information, check the website or call 327-7602.

The original priority group of vaccine recipients included those individuals most susceptible to either contracting or affected by the flu virus.

The Cumberland and Salem County health departments are affiliated, as indicated by the “cs” designation in the department(s) website address.