The first batch of H1N1 Flu vaccine has arrived in Flagler County.

Patrick Johnson, Health Department Administrator, said the first shipment is a live, weakened flu virus intranasal vaccine. The FluMist vaccine can only be used on healthy individuals in the priority groups from age 2 to 49.  Initially all providers are to give H1N1 vaccine only to individuals in the priority groups.

More shipments are expected in the next week and will include the injectable form of the vaccine to be used for anyone in the priority groups including pregnant women, children under age 2 or adults over age 49.

The Health Department will begin giving the nasal spray for free on Wednesday, Oct 14 from 1pm to 5pm by appointment only.  Appointments can be made by calling 386-437-7350 extension 2261. Those who qualify for the nasal spray include:

• healthy individuals from 2 years old to 49 years old,
• people in the same age range that live with or care for infants 6 months old or younger, and
• health care and emergency medical personnel. 

When the injectable vaccine arrives it will be given at these afternoon clinics to priority groups only. There is no charge for the vaccine.

Once additional shipments of the vaccine arrive, vaccination clinics will be set up in the community. Plans call for students enrolled all grades of private and public schools to be inoculated at school. Consent forms will be sent home to parents well in advance of the vaccinations and no student will be vaccinated without a signed parental consent form.