The Department of Health will conduct a local H1N1 vaccine clinic for individuals in the recommended target groups who have not had previous access to the vaccine.

Free immunizations will be available Nov. 20-22 at the Mercer County State Health Center, 25 McQuiston Drive, Jackson Center, a news release said.

Individuals in the recommended target groups must schedule appointments in order to receive vaccine. This will help ensure that the correct type and amount of vaccine is available at each of 18 clinics being held across the state, the release said.

The local clinic will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and Sunday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Health Department asks only people in the following high-risk groups make appointments for the clinic:

• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years

• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months

• Pregnant women

• Health-care providers and emergency medical services personnel

• People under 65 with underlying health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders. Appointments can be made 24 hours a day at www.h1n1inpa.com under “What’s Hot” or by calling 1-877-724-3258) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Consent forms must be completed for each person who is scheduled to be vaccinated. They are available at www.h1n1inpa.com

Preparing the forms in advance will help the clinics more quickly register and vaccinate people, the release said.