A step-up in production of the H1N1 flu vaccine coupled with waning demand means there are plenty of doses available in Utah County.

The health department now offers the free vaccine on a walk-in basis at its Provo Immunization Office at 151 S. University Ave., as well as reaching out to the community via a number of satellite clinics. Some will only be held on a one-time basis unless demand dictates more.

"We've been asked to go out into the community (to offer vaccines) basically from the beginning, but up until recently we had so much demand we couldn't even meet the demand here in Provo," said Lance Madigan, a health department spokesman. "Now that demand has dropped off."

At the pandemic's outset, the health department was vaccinating upward of 3,000 people a day. Now that number has dwindled to between 400 and 500.

At the same time, the size of the H1N1 shipments have significantly grown. The most recent shipments, for instance, have contained 30,000 doses; in the early weeks of the campaign, they were closer to 5,000.

This mismatch of supply and demand is something "we were afraid was going to happen from the beginning," Madigan said.

With the holidays over, many people make the mistake of thinking the flu season is also over. Not true, Madigan said. Flu season typically peaks around February, so it's still important to get inoculated.

"Pandemic comes in waves," he said, noting a third one is possible this spring.

The first satellite clinic will be held today at American Fork Junior High at 20 W. 1120 North from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Every Monday, the vaccine will be also be offered in American Fork at 120 North 1220 East No. 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., but appointments are required.

Another satellite clinic will be held Jan. 14 at Diamond Fork Junior High at 50 N. 900 East in Spanish Fork, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In Payson, clinic is held the first Tuesday of every month at 439 W. Utah Ave., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The health department reminds parents that children who have received one dose of the H1N1 vaccine should get a second dose, or booster, at least 28 days after the first one.

The Utah County Health Department encourages residents to check its Web site, UtahCountyHealth.org, or to call its hot line at 801-851-2222 for more information. Vaccine updates are also available by calling the United Way's 2-1-1 Information Line, or by following the health department on Twitter or FaceBook.

lrosetta@sltrib.com