BRIDGETON — The Cumberland County Health Department is planning regional H1N1 (swine flu) clinics to administer first and second doses to community members.

The initially scheduled clinics will be held 4 to 6 p.m.:

• Tuesday, Jan. 5

West Park United Methodist Church

625 Shiloh Pike, Hopewell/Bridgeton

• Thursday, Jan. 21

Lakeside Middle School

2 N. Sharp St., Millville

The Health Department is also planning to hold a clinic every week at various locations throughout the county starting in January. The department will announce other clinics once times, dates and locations have been confirmed.

“We are opening the clinics up to any Salem or Cumberland county resident who wants the vaccine,” says department spokeswoman Annmarie Ruiz.

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

The department is now able to vaccinate individuals outside of the original priority group.

Children ages 9 & younger are supposed to get a second dose 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,” Ruiz says; “however, please be prepared to answer questions about their first dose.”

Consent forms 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, visit the website or call (856) 327-7602.