The H1N1 Virus?is expected to overrun hospitals and doctors offices as the flu season gets underway.
With seasonal flu shots available right now and a swine flu vaccine in the works, many are confused as to who can and cannot receive the H1N1 vaccine, and who should get the seasonal flu shot now.
The Centers for Disease control said the very old, the very young, those with chronic medical problems, and anyone around those groups of people - healthcare workers, for example - should get the flu vaccine, every year.
With no shortage right now, those shots are also open to the rest of the population.
"As long as there are enough flu shots in general, if you want to minimize chances of getting the flu anyone over six months can receive the seasonal flu vaccine," said Dr. Fred Lopez, Infectious Disease Specialist with the LSU Health Sciences Center.
The swine flu vaccine is a different story. Expected to be available in mid-October or November, only those?most vulnerable to the virus will be able to get it initially. Those high risk populations include pregnant women, children six months to 24 years old, healthcare workers and those with chronic health problems.
"Once vaccination?is provided?to younger individuals, anyone between?ages of 25 and 64?will be offered the?vaccine. Then, anyone 65 and over will?be offered the vaccine,"?said Dr. Lopez.
It is possible once the H1N1 vaccinations are available, you will need two shots to get immunity against the virus.
That is?something being monitored in clinical trials.
