By Leah Perdue
On October 5 the vaccine for swine flu, also known as H1N1, will be made available to the public.
But experts warn that supply of vaccine may run low with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calling the outbreak in 26 states, including Georgia, widespread.
“Our supplies will have to be carefully prioritized,” Dr. Robin Robinson, the Department of Health and Human Services official in charge of vaccine procurement said. “We won’t have enough vaccine for everyone in affected areas.”
Many of the initial vaccine doses will go to young children and first responders groups that Robinson called “most at risk.”
Health and Human services experts expect that they will have only 45 million doses of the vaccine by October 15. The prediction is down from their earlier estimation of 125 million.
Manufacturers of the vaccine have reported problems with receiving the seed virus, winter flu vaccine production and testing, all leading to “serious shortages” according to Robinson.
Over time, the government expects to have a total of 250 million doses of the new vaccine.
College students in states where the virus is considered widespread may be able to get the vaccine, according to Robinson.
“If a student has a compromised immune system or is at risk due to a pre-existing condition, then they should get a dose of the vaccine,” said Robinson.
Robinson also stated that students in good health should maintain “basic hygiene,” rather than worry about being vaccinated.
“Hand washing and respecting personal space are great weapons in keeping a clean bill of health,” Robinson said.
