Seasonal influenza vaccines do not include protection against the H1N1 flu, also known as "swine flu." A new vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 flu is being produced and is available in limited quantities throughout the state of Kansas. More doses will continue to become available weekly.

Initially, the vaccine is available to individuals in the following federally-identified priority groups:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months of age
• All children and young adults ages 6 months through 4 years of age
  
• Children and adolescents 5 years - 18 years with underlying medical
  conditions that put them at greater complications for complications
  from influenza
• Healthcare personnel
• People aged 25-64 years with high-risk medical conditions
• Healthcare and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel
  

Local health departments are making the decisions on how the vaccine will be distributed in each county.  More information, including a listing of H1N1 vaccine providers, is available on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Web site at www.kdheks.gov/H1N1, or call 1-877-427-7317. Spanish translation of H1N1 information is availalable on that site as well.

Residents of Johnson County should monitor the Johnson County Health Department's Web site at jocoflu.org or call 913-826-1263.

Eventually, almost everyone should be vaccinated against H1N1. While people 65 and older aren’t included in the high risk groups to be prioritized for 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination (as they typically are for seasonal flu vaccine), they can get the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine as soon as the high-risk groups have had the opportunity to be vaccinated.  No one should delay seeking medical treatment if they develop symptoms of influenza.

• Seasonal and H1N1 Flu - Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Care
• La Gripe Estacional y H1N1 - Cuándo Buscar el Cuidado Médico