The Tri-County Health Department has asked the Douglas County School District to provide space for free H1N1 vaccinations within the community.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 7 at ThunderRidge High School – a school hit hard by a suspected outbreak of the H1N1 virus last month – will be lining up by the hundreds.

The following flu shot clinic will be from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Legend High School in Parker, with another on the following day at the same times at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Highlands Ranch.

The final vaccination clinic is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 21 at Castle View High School in Castle Rock. Many parents have been awaiting delivery of the H1N1 vaccine, while others are still unsure about the potential safety risks associated with the shot.

Dr. Richard Vogt, executive director for Tri-County Health, is trying to ease concerns by informing residents that the vaccine is perfectly safe. It is manufactured in much the same way that seasonal flu vaccines are produced, with slight modifications, he said.

Tri-County has also partnered with schools in Adams and Arapahoe counties for the free vaccinations. Vogt recommends that even those who are recovering from an illness, whether identified as swine flu or not, to get vaccinated.

However, officials are not guaranteeing that everyone who attends one of the clinic locations will receive a vaccination. The district is disseminating a survey to determine the level of interest in attending the clinics, but they do not commit the respondents to a clinic visit.

To take the survey or for more information, visit www.dcsdk12.org.

Vaccination sites

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch

4-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Legend High School in Parker

4-8 p.m. Nov. 10 at Mountain Ridge Middle School in Highlands Ranch

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at Castle View High School in Castle Rock