There are limited quantities of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine currently available with an increase in supply expected toward the end of the month and into November. The earliest shipments will be of the nasal spray vaccine, which can be taken by healthy individuals ages 2-49, with H1N1 shot vaccine following in larger quantities. Health officials are recommending that individuals under 65 who are at higher risk for complications of the flu—such as pregnant women, health care workers, caretakers of children younger than six months and those with chronic illnesses—be among the target groups to receive vaccine first. Please be patient and contact your local health department or health care provider first before traveling to a clinic to ensure there is adequate vaccine available for you.

Seasonal flu vaccine is already available in many locations, and health officials are encouraging individuals, including those over 65, not to delay receiving their annual flu shot in addition to the swine flu vaccine.