State and local public health officials in Utah today began placing their first orders for the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza vaccine. A limited supply of up to 30,000 doses is anticipated to arrive in the state within two to 15 days.

All of the H1N1 influenza vaccine received in the state's initial shipment will be the nasal-spray (Flu Mist), and is only approved for use in healthy people ages 2-49 who are not pregnant. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) expects to place an additional, much larger order within the next two weeks and a weekly order thereafter. Those orders will include injectable H1N1 influenza vaccine that will be available for use among all of the priority groups recommended to receive it.

"Public health officials throughout the state have been planning for this day for months," said UDOH Executive Director Dr. David Sundwall. "However, our success is largely dependent upon the public doing its part by getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene to reduce the spread of disease."

Those who are a priority to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

• Pregnant women;
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months;
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age and;
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The H1N1 influenza vaccine will be shipped directly from a central warehouse in California to sites around the state. Each of the state's 12 local health departments will determine how best to administer H1N1 vaccine to citizens within their jurisdiction.

Due to the limited supply of the initial vaccine shipment, many people will not be able to receive the vaccine right away. It remains important that people take steps to protect themselves and others by limiting spread of the virus. This includes:

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your shirt sleeve;
• Stay home from work or school when you are sick with influenza-like illness and;
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after sneezing or coughing, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Utahns are also reminded to protect themselves against seasonal influenza, as the H1N1 influenza vaccine will not protect against this year's seasonal influenza strains. Seasonal influenza vaccinations are available now at clinics throughout the state.

To find out where to get either an H1N1 or seasonal influenza vaccine, Utahns can visit www.immunize-utah.org or call 2-1-1.

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