The Haralson County Health Department has received its initial shipment of the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine, which is available on a walk-in basis today from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for healthy children between 2 and 4 years old while supplies last.

Northwest Georgia Public Health District Health Director Dr. Wade Sellers said that the Haralson County Health Department has received 200 doses of the spray vaccine for the targeted group, urging others to remain patient as additional doses are expected to arrive later this month.

“We wish we’d received more initially, but vaccine quantities are limited in this first shipment and are in the form of a nasal spray vaccine, known as LAIV or Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine,” Sellers explained. “We’re asking people to be patient as the vaccine begins to trickle through the distribution pipeline down to the county level. We expect to begin receiving the inactivated injectable form of the vaccine later in October, and eventually, there will be plenty of H1N1 vaccine – enough for everyone who wants to receive it.”

He added that Georgia is targeting healthy children in the designated age group for the first round of vaccines because they’re more likely to spread the H1N1 virus and is more at-risk for hospitalization. Sellers noted that healthy people between 2 and 49 years old can use the nasal spray form of the vaccine; however, parents should stay mindful of several restrictions before permitting the vaccine to their child.

Sellers said children who are receiving treatments containing aspirin as well as those with sensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine should not receive the spray vaccine. Other children who are restricted include those with life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations, asthma and weakened immune systems. Children younger than 4 years old who suffer from recurrent wheezing or muscle, nerve and seizure disorders are also excluded from using the spray version of the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Northwest Public Health district Public Information Officer Logan Boss stressed that the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will not protect people from the seasonal flu; therefore, he encourages everyone to also get a seasonal flu shot this year, which is currently available at your local doctor’s office or pharmacy.

Boss said being armed with the flu shot is the “single best way to protect yourself from the seasonal flu” in this unusual and “pervasive” flu season due to the expected high circulation of the H1N1 virus.

He said it’s hard to project the number of people who will get the flu shot this year; however, studies show that approximately 40 percent of the U.S. population gets the shot each year.

“Most people will need one shot for the regular seasonal flu and another one to protect against novel influenza A (H1N1) – more commonly known as swine flu or pandemic influenza. Children under 10 years of age may need three, since they may require two shots of the swine flu vaccine,” Boss said. “Public health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated against seasonal flu as early as possible this year, just as soon as seasonal flu shots are available, and assure that immunity will not be lost before the end of the flu season by getting the flu shot earlier.”

Boss especially urged people in high-risk groups to get the flu shot now, which consists of pregnant women, health care providers, and people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma. People who are 50 years old and older and people six months to 19 years old are also marked as high-risk groups.

“If you haven’t already, get a seasonal flu shot,” echoed Haralson County Health Department Nurse Manager Joyce Guice. “Everyone should get a seasonal flu shot, especially elderly people, health care workers and pregnant women.”

In addition to the H1N1 spray vaccine for children, the Haralson County Health Department will also be distributing seasonal flu shots to the public on a walk-in basis today from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost of the flu shot is $20. Patients with Medicare Part B or Medicaid should bring their card with them.

For more information about the H1N1 spray vaccine and seasonal flu shots, call the health department at 770-646-5541.