Race for the Swine Flu Vaccine

by Michael Smith, MD, chief medical editor of WebMD Health.



Given up trying to get your hands on a swine flu (H1N1) vaccine? Yes, they're a bit hard to come by, but don't give up - doctor's orders.

The swine flu vaccine isn't rolling into doctor's offices and health clinics as quickly as we'd hoped, but it's important to keep up the hunt, especially if you or your child is at high risk of flu complications.

If you need a refresher, those at high risk are:

• Everyone from 6 months to 24 years of age
• Anyone with lung disease, including asthma and emphysema, or heart disease
• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months

That's a lot of people. So how do you find the H1N1 vaccine?

First, check the flu.gov web site. There's a map of the U.S. Click on your state and you'll find links to your state health department. While the health department might not be the first place you think of for health care, when it comes to the swine flu vaccine, it may be your best bet. Some states also have information about private providers.

Next, stay diligent. Keep checking with your health department and with other vaccine providers in your area. Check out the CDC's 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine supply status, to see how your state compares to the rest of the country in the race for the swine flu vaccine.

There will, eventually, be plenty of vaccine. It's not clear when that will be. The CDC is hesitant to break out the crystal ball. Fingers crossed we'll have plenty of vaccine in the next several weeks.

And while you're at it, don't forget about the seasonal vaccine. Most of us are usually pretty complacent when it comes to the regular annual flu vaccine, but seasonal flu kills 36,000 American every year. Due to high demand this year, even the seasonal flu vaccine can be a bit more challenging than normal to find, but it's out there.

We haven't seen much seasonal flu yet - most flu cases have been swine flu. But you can bet by the time winter rolls around seasonal flu will come in fast and furious. No time like the present to roll up your sleeve - or take a little squirt up the nose.

You can find a seasonal flu shot locator at the American Lung Association web site.

Read about one woman's search for the swine flu vaccine for her and her baby and get more tips on how to find the vaccine for yourself in WebMD's article by senior medical writer Dan DeNoon.