A public health clinic in Tracy now has enough vaccinations available for all residents aged 6 months and older.

In order to vaccinate more people, the clinic is offering a special evening H1N1 clinic at 3 to 7p.m. on Jan. 26.

The H1N1 virus, or swine flu, has been a matter of concern in the United States because the airborne virus is highly contagious. Symptoms are much like the flu, coughing, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, head/ body aches and sometimes a fever.

While some people can get over the flu in a few days, others have to be hospitalized. San Joaquin County public health officials urge sick people not to go to the hospital for being a little sick, to avoid infecting others or getting sicker yourself. From August of 2009 to Jan. 2, officials reported 37,778 hospitalizations and 1,735 deaths in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the San Joaquin Valley, 149 hospitalized cases of the swine flu have been reported since December 2009, and of those accounts, 13 have died, said the public health department.

“By getting this vaccine you protect yourself, and those around you,” said Krista Dommer, a local public health official.

If you would like more information on the H1N1 virus, visit www.cdc.gov.

Contact a Tracy Press reporter or editor at 835-3030 or tpnews@tracypress.com. At a glance:

WHAT: Swine flu vaccinations

WHEN: Jan. 26 from 3 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Public Health Services clinic 205 W. ninth street

INFO: 468-3862