Swine flu vaccine now available for all Virginians

Any Virginian who wants a vaccine for the swine flu is now free to seek one.

Previously, the state had asked that only those in high-priority groups step forward for the vaccine that wards against the H1N1 virus, or swine flu. Now that more doses are available, state health commissioner Karen Remley said Monday that she is opening the door to others.

"We are wide open for any Virginian," Remley said during a media briefing.

High-priority groups included pregnant women, children, young adults, people with chronic illnesses, health and emergency workers.

About 700,000 additional doses were allocated to Virginia on Monday, which will bring the total number of doses in the state to 3.1 million.

So far the vaccine has been administered mainly through health departments, doctors' offices and school-based clinics. Nasal spray vaccine, which is for people 2 through 49 who are healthy and not pregnant, began being distributed at some local pharmacies last week. Injections should now become available as well, at urgent care centers, pharmacies and retail stores that have signed up with the state to administer the vaccine.

More than 3,000 doctors' offices, pharmacies, stores, clinics and health departments are registered in the state as swine flu vaccinators.

Virginians can find the nearest location with the vaccine by going to the state's Web site at www.H1N1Get1.com or by calling the state's H1N1 call center at (877) 275-8343.

The state received its first shipment of the vaccine in October. The small number of doses available early on created long lines at some health departments and frustrated those who wanted the vaccine, particularly in late October. That's when the rate of people visiting emergency rooms and urgent care centers with flu symptoms hit a peak of 15 percent of all visits.

The rate has since declined to 3 percent, but health officials warn that another wave could hit during winter. The state is also still considered to be at a widespread level of flu, and has been since mid-September, which is unusual this early in the season.

"We want to make sure people are not lulled into thinking they do not need to worry any more," Remley said.

Elizabeth Simpson, (757) 446-2635, elizabeth.simpson@pilotonline.com