If you want a flu shot this fall, cost-free options abound. Seasonal flu shots are available now. The new swine flu vaccine, a separate formulation than the seasonal flu shot, is expected to be on tap by early October to a limited degree. If the timing works out right, vaccination clinics will offer both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu shots; however, only people on the state's priority list will receive the new vaccine at first.

Large health care providers already have the seasonal flu vaccine. However, health care providers who ordered it through the state Department of Health won't receive a shipment until the next couple of weeks. Public schools are among the sites waiting for it.

"This year we really thought we would have vaccine sooner, and I don't know what the (reason for the) delay was," Maggie Gallagher, medical director for the Public Health Division, said.

The Health Department ordered 70,000 doses of seasonal flu vaccine for adults, including 14,000 doses for pregnant women that are free of mercury (found in thimerosol, a preservative).

Out of 245,000 doses for children, 210,000 doses are thimerosol-free. About 112,000 doses are administered as a nasal spray. "It's easier because it's (like) a tickle in the nose," Gallagher said.

If you have health insurance, get your vaccine from your health care provider or a flu vaccination clinic. The state's public health offices are for the uninsured or underinsured.

Where to get flu shots

The clinics are for season flu shots for sure and the H1N1 shot if available.

Santa Fe Urgent Care, 2801 Rodeo Road, is offering the shot free to those with insurance or $20 for those without, 5 -10 p.m. Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends, 474-0120. Many other urgent-care centers also offer shots.

Walgreens offers flu shots to people 9 years of age and older for $25. The pharmacies are stocked with the seasonal flu vaccine right now, but have not received H1N1 vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week for a little while longer, but after Wednesday customers must make an appointment. Call your Walgreens pharmacist for more information.

Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, members of the public can get a free flu shot from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 on a first-come, first-served basis in the cafeteria. The elderly, as well as people with disabilities, can request drive-thru shots — they simply open the car door and a nurse will administer the shot inside the vehicle. For more information, contact the hospital's influenza information line by calling the switchboard at 913-3361 and asking for extension 2147.

Arroyo Chamiso Pediatrics, 2025 S. Galisteo St. Vaccinations will be given to the whole family at no charge between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 24.

Pojoaque Primary Care , 5 Petroglyph Circle Suite A, has scheduled free flu shots from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29.

La Familia Medical Center, 1035 Alto St., has planned two flu shot events: Oct. 24 and Nov. 14 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The free shots are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Information: 982-4425.

ABQ Health Partners, 465 St. Michaels Drive, offers flu shots (but not the nasal spray form) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7. Bring your insurance card or $25 if you are uninsured. Information: 995-2400.

Albertsons Pharmacy Flu Shot Clinics, for adults. The schedule includes Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Oct. 10 at 600 N. Guadalupe St.; 3-7 p.m. today and Oct. 9 at 3542 Zafarano Drive; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 11 at 3001 S. St. Francis Drive.

Santa Fe Community College students, faculty and other staff members can get free seasonal flu shots from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 on campus in the Jemez rooms.

Starting Thursday , the Santa Fe County Mobile Health Van makes the rounds to far-flung places to provide seasonal flu shots to adults at no cost. It won't, however, offer the H1N1 vaccine for swine flu. Call 231-2382 for more information.