Roll up your sleeve, the H1N1 vaccine is coming to Gore by way of Peters Agency Home Health Services.

Agency representatives will be at the Gore Nutrition Center at 9 a.m. Dec. 28 to administer flu vaccines. The immunizations are free of charge and will be given on a first come first serve basis.

“Individuals should bring a valid from of identification to be considered eligible,” Mary Tabor, BSN, RN, LHCA and agency administrator, said.

Those with an egg allergy are urged not to receive the vaccine.

“Even if an individual has had the seasonal flu shot, they should still have a H1N1 vaccine,” Tabor said.

Tabor said the Peters Agency has begun taking a proactive stance to H1N1 as they strive for healthy and happy communities.

The Oklahoma Department of Health reported on Dec. 17 that three more people, all adults, have died from swine flu in Oklahoma, bringing the death toll since Sept. 1 to 39, according to statistics for the week ending Dec. 12. A man from Cherokee County was among those who died. The other victims were a woman from Kay County and another woman from Rogers County, Pam Williams, health department spokeswoman, reported.

There were 15 new hospitalizations for last week, two fewer than the week before, according to the health department. Influenza activity in Oklahoma is now classified as local, signifying a decrease, Williams said.

Health department officials continue to encourage people to get vaccinations for swine flu, or H1N1, and seasonal flu, Williams said. More information about both kinds of flu and where to go for a vaccination is available on the health department’s Web site, www.ok.gov/health.

The state’s swine flu hot line is (866) 278-7134.

To prevent the spread of influenza-like illness people experiencing flu-like symptoms are being urged to stay home from work, school, and other public places and to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow, frequently use soap and water and alcohol-based hand gel products to sanitize hands and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. H1N1 symptoms are much like other types of influenza that can include fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Vomiting or diarrhea can also be associated.

Tabor said Peters Agency staff will be available at the Gore Nutrition Center to answer questions for people who need assistance with medication administration, medical equipment needs and personal car needs such as meal preparation, housekeeping, etc.