Island County Public Health officials are the go-to men an women with the latest swine flu information. According to public health, the vaccine is now available at a number of island locations to people who meet the “priority” guidelines, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The priority group includes pregnant women, caretakers of infants less than 6 months old and their immediate family members, children 6 months to 18 years, young adults though age 24, health care workers who work directly with ill patients, school nurses and teachers, and adults to age 64 with high health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and chronic lung disease, among other conditions.

Island Women’s Health, Naval Hospital Whidbey Island, Pediatric Associates of Whidbey Island, North Whidbey Community Clinic, Whidbey Community Physicians, Island Drug, Lind’s Pharmacy, Rite Aid Aid, Albertsons Save-On Pharmacy and Walgreens currently offer the vaccine. An appointment may be required, so call ahead of time.

Between Sept. 19 and Nov. 14 there were 15 hospitalizations and two deaths attributed to swine flu in Island County, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For local flu vaccine news, visit http://www.islandcounty.net/health/H1N1_Update.htm, or call the flu hotline, 678-5111, ext. 6011.