H1N1 virus flu vaccine available in Aiken soon

Haley Hughes

Oct. 6, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The H1N1 vaccine is coming to Aiken County, but it isn't here yet.

Vaccinations began Monday in Indiana and Tennessee with FluMist, a nasal spray, scheduled for some doctors, nurses and other health workers so they can stay healthy to care for the flu-stricken. But the general population will have to wait a bit longer.

The initial shipments are limited in quantity, and widespread inoculations aren't expected to begin until the middle of this month when at least 40 million doses against H1N1 -- commonly referred to as swine flu -- will roll out.

"Personal care doctors will get it, and there will be some mass clinics," said Veleta Rudnick, a disease surveillance response coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. "But those dates are not set up yet because we're not sure when the vaccine will be out."

The Associated Press reports that state health departments are the ones who will decide when and how much of the vaccine goes to local doctors, clinics, schools and drugstores though the U.S. government does not expect people to be turned away from receiving the swine flu vaccine unless that day's supply runs out.

"Right now, the only vaccine that has come in is the nasal spray," Rudnick said. "It's restricted for certain age groups (people ages 2 to 49) and those with no underlying conditions."

Because FluMist contains a live but weakened virus, some people who are considered a top candidate to receive the injectable vaccine aren't eligible for FluMist, like women who are pregnant. The seasonal flu vaccine contains an inactive or dead virus.

First in line for the injectable swine flu vaccine are pregnant women, those ages 6 to 24, people younger than 64 who have conditions that increase the risk of complications from flu like diabetes and health workers and caregivers of newborns.

So, in the meantime, Rudnick encourages everyone to stay tuned to news reports regarding the availability of the swine flu vaccine. She encourages everyone to get vaccinated against seasonal flu, too, especially those who are six months and older up to 24, women who are pregnant and those 25 and older with conditions that can increase the risk of complications.

The North Augusta Health Department plans its clinics for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 28, at 802 E. Martintown Road, Suite 170.

The first seasonal flu clinic in Aiken is scheduled for Thursday, and drugstores like Walgreens (NYSE:WAG) and CVS (NYSE:CVS) also have the shots available.

SCDHEC's Thursday clinic will be at Kalmia Mall from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Three shots, a flu shot, tetanus and pneumonia inoculations will be offered together for $25.

Those with Medicaid and Medicare should present their cards.

Walgreens pharmacies offers flu shots every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $24.99. CVS pharmacies will offer shots this Thursday and Oct. 17 and Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $30.

Flu season officially began Sunday and generally peaks in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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