Swine flu vaccine arrives in U.P. : News : UpperMichigansSource.com

Swine flu vaccine arrives in U.P.

Posted: 10.06.2009 at 3:41 PM

The Marquette County Health Department tells us that it has received 600 doses of the nasal spray swine flu vaccine.

MARQUETTE COUNTY --

"There's a lot of questions people have when they come and get their flu shots, a lot more questions than what we've had in the past regarding influenza--both seasonal as well as H1N1--a lot of questions about who's going to be able to get the vaccine and when it's going to be available," said Corrine Brownell, a Personal Health Director working at Tuesday's Flu Shot clinic at the Negaunee Senior Center.

The Marquette County Health Department is answering those questions.

The first 600 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have arrived in the U.P., but don't rush to the health department just yet.

"We intend to immunize with those 600 doses, first EMS staff who have direct contact with patients, children two to four years of age, and persons who live with or provide care to infants six months of age or less, and that includes parents, siblings and licensed care providers," said Fred Benzie, Health Officer of Marquette County Health Department.

And in regard to the seasonal vaccine, it's been a busy start to the season for the health department, and supply is low. They've had to postpone the following clinics: Thursday, October 8 at Negaunee High School, Negaunee Middle School and Lakeview Elementary School and Friday, October 9 at Phelps Middle School in Ishpeming. They will be rescheduled.

"It's not a shortage, but we are running ahead of our schedule. We're dependent on the vaccine manufacturers, of course, to keep pace with our immunization clinics. We have no idea exactly when additional shipments of seasonal flu vaccine will be coming," Benzie said.

The health department reminds you that in addition to their clinics, you can also get your seasonal flu shot at places such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens, ShopKo, walk-in clinics, private medical practices and area hospitals, among others.

Keep checking back for more information on the vaccines as it becomes available, and don't forget about our Health Matters page for more information on the flu and vaccines.