MONROE -- The Union County Health Department will host a free H1N1 flu clinic on Saturday.

Vaccines are limited, but Health Director Phillip Tarte hopes that doesn’t discourage anyone from coming.

Health officials were hoping to have more doses by now, but will have only 500 to 600 for the weekend. The free vaccines are limited to those who are at a high risk for H1N1, or swine flu, including pregnant women, children and their caregivers, young adults under 24 years old, health care and EMS workers, and people from 25 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at risk for flu-related complications.

“We were hoping this wouldn’t happen,” Tarte said, but anticipates another 83,000 doses within the next month or so. Many health care workers have already received the vaccine.

Tarte said additional doses will be added to Saturday’s clinic if they are received in time.

Public Health Administrator Amy Parker reminds people that the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1, or swine flu. She recommends getting both vaccinations.

According to the Mecklenburg County Health Department, there were nearly 2,200 hospital visits across the region due to influenza-like illnesses in September.

The region calculated covers 12 North Carolina counties, including Union, Stanly, Cabarrus and Anson.

There were only 800 visits at peak season last year.

The Health Department had plans to open multiple public clinics in area schools, Tarte said, but “we just don’t have enough (vaccines) to warrant opening up all these sites.” Schools could still host such clinics if remaining vaccines are available in large doses.

The clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Health Department, located at 1224 W. Roosevelt Blvd. in Monroe. Both shots and nasal spray are available. For more information, call 704-296-4800.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE FREE VACCINE

• Pregnant women

• Caregivers for children 6 months and younger

• Children and young adults age 6 months to 24 years of age

• Healthcare and EMS workers

• Persons age 25 to 64 who have medical conditions (diabetes, asthma, respiratory illness, heart disease, kidney disease, neurological disorders and others) that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications