The H1N1 Runaround

This week, the Department of State Health Service said it is encouraging doctors' offices to really focus on vaccinating the target groups vulnerable to the H1N1 (swine) flu virus. Officials with the DSHS said the vaccine availability was increasing.

As of Tuesday the target group includes: pregnant women, people from 6 months old to the age of 24, people 25-64 with high-risk health conditions, health care workers, and those who have close contact with infants 6 months or younger.

DSHS said its initial supply arrived in Texas in October in small amounts, and that's why 2-3 year olds and pregnant women were served first. DSHS has increased its target group as the vaccination numbers grew.

I'm not one who is very keen on shots. The thought nearly sends me into a panic. But this year, for the first time ever, I had to get my regular seasonal flu shot. We now have a baby in the family, and my wife did not want to take any chances.

But the seasonal flu vaccine is readily available. There's no shortage questions or target groups to deal with. But the H1N1 vaccine is a different story, mostly because the H1N1 virus is new. Researchers and drug manufacturers haven't ever had to crank out a supply - and a large one at that - for H1N1.

Even still, the numbers get confusing. First, there are this many vaccines, but then they take it back and say they got it all wrong. We begin asking ourselves if anyone really knows how many vaccines are available.

It's better to err on the side of caution and just get to the doctor to get your shot. I'd recommend calling first, but don't waste time. You never know if they are just saying the supply is running out, or if they really are. A handy web site also will help fill you in to locate the vaccine nearest you.

And just in case you're wondering, the Centers for Disease Control expects to have enough vaccines in January to make it available to the general public - no target groups! The CDC says Texas has been allocated 5.1 million doses of the vaccine.

Here we go again.