The Winnebago County Health Department is offering a free, walk-in H1N1 flu clinic Feb. 5 at the Machesney Park Village Hall, 200 Machesney Rd. The clinic is open to the public and no appointment is needed. All forms of the vaccine, including the nasal spray, will be available.

For general information, including information on H1N1 and future clinic dates, call 815-720-4000, visit www.wchd.org, or follow the department's Twitter and Facebook pages.

The Health Department has compiled some tips for residents attending H1N1 vaccination clinics:

· Prepare to expose the uppermost part of your arm, near the shoulder.
· Vaccinations are free of charge, and Medicare cards are not required.
· When bringing a child for their booster, if possible, please bring their vaccination card with the previous dosage information. The second dose cannot be given less than 21 days after the first.
· People with allergies to eggs should not receive the vaccine.
· Clinics serve hundreds of people, and the staff does their best to get everyone in and out in a timely manner.
· Please allow at least 15 minutes for your visit, middle to late clinic time slots usually have less wait time.

For the latest updates on H1N1 in the stateline, visit WIFR's H1N1 Update