KALISPELL - Vaccinations for both swine flu and the traditional seasonal flu are being offered throughout the Flathead Valley in coming days.

"We continue to receive adequate amounts of vaccine," Joe Russell said, "to continue an aggressive campaign to immunize" those most vulnerable.

Russell is top boss at the Flathead County Health Department, which has scheduled a free H1N1 flu shot clinic for Saturday, Nov. 22, at their Kalispell offices between 9 a.m. and noon.

Children age 9 and under, who received their first dose on or before Oct. 25, can get a recommended second dose at that clinic. The shots also are available for young people age 6 months to 24 years, infant caregivers and adults over age 24 who have chronic health problems or compromised immune systems.

In addition, the Flathead's public health officials have received a shipment of seasonal flu vaccine, and will hold two immunization clinics for adults over age 19.

The first is set for Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. The second comes a week later, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. until noon at Bigfork's Bethany Lutheran Church.

Supplies of seasonal flu vaccine for children 18 and under are expected to arrive soon, officials said.

Cost for the seasonal flu shots is $25, and both Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. Swine flu vaccinations will not be available during the seasonal flu clinics.

According to health department officials, somewhere between 5 percent and 20 percent of Americans become infected with seasonal flu each year. More than 200,000 are hospitalized nationwide, and about 36,000 die annually from flu and its complications.

For more information, visit www.flatheadhealth.org, or call the county's flu hot line at (406) 751-8188.

Reporter Michael Jamison can be reached at (406) 862-0324 or at mjamison@missoulian.com.