DHH Confirms Arrival of Limited Doses of H1N1 Vaccine

The first doses of the state’s initial allotment of H1N1 vaccine—26,000 doses of nasal spray—have begun arriving at pediatric providers across the state who chose to provide H1N1 vaccine and are ready to administer it to their patients.

These providers will use the H1N1 flu vaccine with patients in their practices who meet the requirements for target populations for this particular vaccine—healthy 2 to 5 year olds. These providers ordered this vaccine specifically for their patients, and will be contacting their patients directly to set up appointments for vaccination.

"One of the best steps residents can take to keep themselves healthy and prevent the spread of both the seasonal and H1N1 flu is to get their flu shots," said DHH Secretary Alan Levine.

"Residents should determine if their provider will offer the vaccines, when they expect vaccine to be available and how to make an appointment to receive the flu shots. Please check regularly with www.FightTheFluLA.com for up to date information."

Over the next few weeks, H1N1 flu shots will also be available in nasal spray and injectable forms for children and adults through a large network of participating providers.

Target groups for the H1N1 vaccine include:

• Pregnant women
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People from the ages of 6 months to 24 years
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• People from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for flu complications because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

The H1N1 vaccine will be available at a wide variety of providers within three to four weeks (late October to early November) for other target groups, such as parents and caregivers of infants and non-elderly adults with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart conditions.