Members of the local community may have an additional opportunity to get vaccinated against H1N1, thanks to disinterest in a neighboring county.

Public Health Preparedness Manager for Erie County Department of Health Rich Knecht, said the response to clinics has been "very low; far below expectations."

Due to this, Knecht said all future clinics will now be open to the public, regardless of membership in a high-risk group.

All clinics run by the Erie Center on Health and Aging are now open to all from the age of 4 and up, Knecht said, with all clinics remaining free of charge.

In addition, Knecht said certain clinics will also be configured to vaccinate children from 6 months to 3 years.

Not every clinic will have this capability, Knecht said, so those interested should browse the department's website at www.ecdh.org.

The children's clinics will also be advertised in local media outlets, Knecht said, or parents can call the department at 814-451-6700, or the St. Vincent Hospital Flu Hotline at 814-866-4800.

The department will revert back to high-risk groups, Knecht said, if the disease picture changes.

The next scheduled clinics are:

3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Corry Area School District, 534 East Pleasant St., Corry. This clinic will vaccinate 6 month to 3 year olds.

2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at Stancliff Hose, 4th and High Street, Waterford.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21, Fairview School District, 7460 McCray Road, Fairview.

The State Department of Health announced Friday it will conduct statewide clinics from Nov. 20-22 to administer free H1N1 vaccine to individuals in the recommended target groups who have not yet been vaccinated.

Those wishing to receive a vaccination must schedule an appointment time, day and location prior to the clinic in order to be vaccinated.

"Our goal is to get the H1N1 vaccine to as many people as possible who are at risk of suffering serious complications from the virus," said Deputy Secretary Michael Huff. "These public health clinics will help us do just that with the amount of vaccine that is currently available to us."

The department is asking that only members of the following groups attend:

Those between the ages of six months and 24 years.

Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months.

Pregnant women.

Healthcare providers and emergency medical services personnel.

Those under 65 with underlying health conditions including: asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.

Appointments can be made at www.H1N1inPA.com under "What's Hot," at any time or by calling 1-877-724-3258 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., though lines are limited.

Anyone seeking vaccination should download an H1N1 vaccine consent form from www.H1N1inPA.com. Consent forms must be completed for each individual scheduled to be vaccinated. Preparing this form in advance will help the clinics more quickly register and vaccinate people.

The clinic covering Warren County will be held at Fox Twp. Ambulance garage, State Route 948, Sheeley Rd. and Main St., Kersey from 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 22 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 21.