Noble and LaGrange counties have scheduled public vaccination clinics this week, and Allen County will provide shots for pregnant women today.

Allen County received just 120 doses of the H1N1 injection vaccine Friday and will make the shots available only to pregnant women during a clinic at Carew Medical Park, 1818 Carew St.

Pregnant women are at increased risk for serious complications related to this virus, also called swine flu. Because of that risk, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that expectant mothers be vaccinated.

This shipment of vaccine does not contain thimerosal, a preservative used in flu vaccines. The ingredient has spurred speculation that it might pose health risks to children, and parents have been asking health department staff whether the vaccines are thimerosal-free, said John Silcox, spokesman for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health.

Most of the injection vaccine for H1N1 received so far has contained the preservative. The nasal mist form of the vaccine does not, Silcox said.

Allen County health officials expect to receive additional shipments of both forms of the vaccine this week. More clinics will be scheduled at that time, Silcox said.

Noble County Health Department will have two vaccination clinics this week for pregnant women as well as children ages 6 months to 18 years.

The first clinic will be Thursday at West Noble High School, 5050 U.S. 33, and the second will be Saturday at the Kendallville Event Center, 615 Professional Way.

LaGrange County Health Department will have a clinic this Wednesday focusing on both children and adults who suffer from chronic health conditions. Pregnant women will also be able to receive the vaccine during the clinic.

Community organizations continue to cancel events in an effort to stem the spread of the flu. The Limberlost Public Library in Rome City has canceled its Little Spooks Halloween Party and Haunted Room event planned for Thursday.

aiacone@jg.net