Vaccinations for swine flu will be available for Lawrence County residents starting Dec. 1.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is offering the vaccine to individuals in what are considered high-risk categories. This is the first time the state has scheduled free vaccination clinics in the county.

The clinics will be conducted Dec. 1, 2 and 3 the state health center, 106 Margaret St.

High-risk categories include:

•Those 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

•Those under 65 years of age with underlying health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.

Anyone wanting a vaccination must have an appointment.

This can be done by calling the health department between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at (877) 724-3258. It also is possible to register via the Internet at www.H1N1inPA.com and click the “What’s Hot” link.

When individuals register, they will be given a time for their vaccination.