H1N1 Vaccine Distribution Slow Going

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A limited amount of H1N1 vaccines went out to health departments all across the state this week, but most were targeted for those deemed at risk like school age children.

It could be awhile before the vaccines are made available for the average Oklahoman. In fact, officials at the state health department say it could be mid-to-late November before the flu vaccines are open to everyone.

"In our clinics we've been seeing anywhere from 20 to 30 cases flu-like illness in the last few weeks every day," Dr. Steven Crawford said.

Dr. Crawford has seen his share of patients fighting the flu and this is just the beginning.

"We've ordered to have both the seasonal and the H1N1 vaccine," said Dr. Crawford. "We're expecting in any day now."

And so are the folks at the Oklahoma State Health Department. Chief of Immunization Don Blose said it will be several weeks before everyone will have access to the flu vaccine.

"Of course we want to take care of the priority groups first," Blose said.

The five priority groups they're focusing on are children, pregnant women, health care workers, those with chronic health conditions and parents with children.

Schools with high absentee rates are targeted for the flu mist vaccine because of the prevalence of the virus.

"We have a lot of spread going on, particularly around children, so this is one way we can prevent the spread or slow the spread in some communities," Dr. Crawford said.

For now, the general public and local doctors will have to wait for the rest of the vaccine.

"Again, I would not panic about this, but the appropriate things that people can do is use reasonable precautions," Dr. Crawford said.

The shot version of the vaccines will be available for people who can't take the mist, like pregnant women, beginning next week.