Jackson – The long-anticipated H1N1 vaccine will soon be available for distribution, according to an announcement Wednesday by the Amador County Public Health Department. An initial supply of approximately 400 doses of the FluMist version of the vaccine will be divvied out among those who are at greatest risk from the virus. The release said local priorities for offering this first shipment will focus on children age 2-5 and caregivers, through age 49, of infants 6 months or younger. Distribution will be done in cooperation with local medical providers who serve pediatric patients. “We are in the planning process with Amador County Unified School District to provide additional; school FluMist clinics using H1N1 nasal vaccine,” said Angel LeSage, Public Health Director. Upon arrival of another shipment of about 5000 doses of the injectable vaccine later this month, additional groups like pregnant women will be identified as the next priority for vaccination. H1N1 has been identified as present in Amador County, and health officials continue to monitor its impact on local populations. “H1N1 continues to circulate and remains, for the majority of people, a mild illness similar to seasonal flu,” said Dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County Health Officer. “The best prevention for both H1N1 and seasonal flu remains vaccination, washing your hands frequently, covering your cough and your sneeze and staying at home if you are sick.” The current strain of H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, was first reported in Mexico earlier this year. On June 11, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide Pandemic Influenza Alert Level to Phase Six, the highest such designation for a flu outbreak. Hartmann said “heavy case counts are present in the southern hemisphere of the world.” He said Amador County Public Health is collaborating with the Amador County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Sutter Amador Hospital, Department of Corrections, and Amador County Unified School District to prepare for Fall 2009 flu season. To stay up-to-date on current flu and H1N1 virus and vaccine information and reccomendations, visit the Amador County Public Health website on your screen. For more information, contact them by phone at 223-6407. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.