Although the subject of the H1N1 flu is no longer dominating headlines, the state Department of Health (HEALTH) wants to make sure Rhode Islanders don’t forget the importance of getting vaccinated.

“A lot of people think it’s over, [but] the third wave will likely come in the spring. When seniors get infected with it, they don’t do very well,” said Dr. David R. Gifford, director of the Department of Health.

Which is why Gifford visited the Johnston Senior Center Thursday to announce that a free flu vaccination clinic will be held at the center on Sunday, Feb. 7 from noon to 4 p.m.

“There’s a number of free clinics out there,” Gifford said. “We want to get everyone vaccinated by Valentine’s Day … so if you love someone, bring them in.”

The clinic is part of a HEALTH promotion called “500K by Valentine’s Day,” an effort to vaccinate a half-million residents before another wave of the flu hits the state.

Joining Gifford at the press conference were Director of the Department of Elderly Affairs Corinne Russo, Police Chief Richard Tamburini and Fire Chief Andrew Baynes. Mayor Joseph Polisena was there as well, and applauded the senior center for being the first in the state to hold a vaccination for seniors, though the clinic is also open to the general public.

“Once again, I believe Johnston will be the first,” he said. “We are expected to give out more than 2,000 shots, with the help of plenty of volunteers.”

Members of the Johnston Fire Department will be among those administering the shots, as well as Mayor Polisena, a registered nurse, who has been volunteering at clinics in and around Johnston.

“I got mine, I think everyone should get their’s,” Polisena said, adding that he also vaccinated his wife Lucille, who is a school-nurse teacher in North Providence. “This flu’s a funny thing – but it’s serious and can kill you.”

He advised parents to get their children vaccinated, and those under the age of 9 receive a second vaccine. Polisena, who promoted the vaccine on his cable access television show, challenged area mayors to host similar public clinics.

For Russo, the Johnston Senior Center was an obvious choice.

“When they said they wanted to start a campaign, I immediately thought of Johnston and Tony Zompa. I knew they would get the ball rolling,” she said.

Where Rhode Islanders get the shot doesn’t matter, Russo said, as long as they do, and continue to spread the word.

“Please tell your friends, tell you neighbors,” she said.

Seniors attending the press conference were able to ask questions of Gifford, who explained that 7 million shots have been given nationally so far. Possible side effects include soreness at the injection site and fever.

“This vaccine is safer than the seasonal flu shot,” he said, adding that the vaccine takes up to two weeks to be effective.

He continued to stress the importance of hand washing as the best defense, as well as keeping common surfaces clean.

“This is absolutely free,” added Polisena. “The only cost is your time, it’s 15 to 20 minutes that can save your life.”

Seniors will be allowed to pre-register for the clinic, which involves filling out a self-assessment. The clinic will be held at the Johnston Senior Center, located at 1291 Hartford Avenue. For more information, call the Department of Health at 222-8022, or the center at 944-3343.