Public Health officials are working to inform seniors that the H1N1 vaccine is important to them and they should get the shot.

Malindy Ely, nurse manager, Polk Health Department, said there is now plenty of H1N1 vaccine and is available to anyone over six months of age. “We are encouraging people in high-risk groups to get the vaccine,” she said.

Included in this category are pregnant women, care givers of infants less than 6 months of age, children and young adults aged 6 months to 24 years, persons aged 25 - 64 years who have medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease and immunosuppressive disorders, that put them at risk and health care and emergency service workers.

Northwest Georgia Public Health's Dr. Wade Sellers said many older adults believe they don't have to worry about the disease, and that's just not true.

“They underestimate their own risk and the importance of getting vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 because they've heard news stories about how the disease has been more infectious with children and young adults,” he said.

He admitted that people 65 and older are less likely to get infected but this is the age group that do become infected are at greater risk of having serious complications for the illness.

He encouraged seniors to seek vaccination against 2009 H1N1 since there is now plenty of available vaccine.

When people get vaccinated, they help their community by preventing the spread of the flu virus. If enough Americans get vaccinated, it could lessen the impact or even prevent a third wave of 2009 H1N1 flu.

"Influenza is unpredictable, and we just don't know the likelihood of a future wave for the 2009 H1N1 virus," said Sellers. "We do know that vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza. This is a great time to get the vaccine if you haven't already."

Health officials asked every citizen to practice other precautions, such as good cough etiquette, washing hands frequently and staying at home if sick.