Los Angeles County will hold a final round of H1N1 flu clinics beginning Friday as it prepares to shift most of its vaccine supply to private providers and nonprofit health clinics.

With nearly 175,000 doses of free vaccine administered over the past five weeks, the county plans to distribute about 90 percent of its supply to private health care providers and nonprofit clinics.

"We're seeing that more providers are getting the vaccine," said Dr.Jonathan Fielding, the county's director of public health. "It's still not enough, not as much as we would like, and not what we were told we were going to get."

While the rate of H1N1 flu cases has declined the past two weeks, local health officials remain concerned that another wave could hit after December.

Since it was first identified in April, swine flu has killed 88 Los Angeles area residents.

"It appears that flu activity is leveling off and decreasing, but that doesn't mean it's over," said Dr.Helene Calvet, the Long Beach health officer, who added, "Put vaccine at the top of your holiday shopping list. The price is right. It's free."

Those in priority groups should should try to receive the free vaccine, Fielding said, especially children under 10 who received the first dose at a public clinic and are now due for the second one.

"Residents who are in the priority groups for H1N1 vaccine and do not have a regular source of health care are strongly encouraged

The priority groups include people ages 6 months to 24 years, pregnant women, those caring for infants under 6 months, and those with chronic illnesses.

Health officials are concerned about the possibility for infection at the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, when thousands of spectators are expected to line the city streets.

"We are encouraging everyone to get the vaccine as soon as possible," said Dr. Takashi Wada, director of the Pasadena Public Health Department.