NEWS AND NOTES: Clinic set for H1N1 vaccines; plenty on hand

The Mat-Su Public Health Clinic is hosting a H1N1 vaccination clinic open to the general public Dec. 17.

The clinic will set up at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Complex in Wasilla from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public Health Nurse Paula English said it is still important for everyone older than 6 months to get vaccinated. She encouraged people to attend the clinic. The vaccine will be free of charge.

English recommended parents bring a vaccination record for their children. She said the clinic has enough stock of the vaccine to no longer limit its administration to priority groups. Everyone who comes to the clinic can expect to receive a vaccine.

“I would be very surprised if we ran out,” English said.

Medicare and

Medicaid enrollment

Alaska Medicare counselors will be at the Wasilla Area Senior Center, 1303 Century Circle, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

The counselors will be there to help enroll people interested in the programs or review their prescription drug and health plans.

This is part of the ‘Open Enrollment’ period that ends Dec. 31, which allows for Medicare participants to review and make changes to their existing plan.

Interested individuals need to bring their Medicare card and a list of their medications including the strengths and dosages.

For directions, call 376-3104 and for more information involving the Open Enrollment or Friday’s meeting, contact Kizzi Davis at 232-2000.

Three more days

to help military

Boxes for Heroes, in conjunction with the Alaska Veterans Foundation, is continuing its drive to ensure men and women in the military serving abroad have Christmas gifts this year.

For those interested in helping provide care packages for soldiers abroad, Frank Roach will accept gift donations for Boxes for Heroes at Three Bears grocery store on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway from 10 a.m. until closing today through Sunday. Donations can also be dropped off at the Boys and Girls Club in Wasilla through Dec. 18. From donations already given this year, Boxes for Heroes has between 600 and 800 care packages for men and women serving.