State orders first swine flu shots

Nevada's first order for the new swine flu vaccine won't provide enough doses to vaccinate everyone in Carson Valley, much less the state.

Health officials said additional shipments are expected to be received and administered on a weekly basis.

According to the Nevada State Health Division, slightly more than 28,000 doses of the vaccine designed to combat the H1N1 virus have been ordered from MedImmune.

Because the first shipment is so limited, doses will be turned over to local public health authorities for distribution.

The number of doses distributed will depend on each area's population.

"It's important to remember that flu mist can only be administered to healthy people, 2-49 years of age, and it is not for pregnant women," State Health Officer Tracey D. Green said. "This type of vaccine contains live attenuated virus that is sprayed into the nostril. Based upon clinical trial information, this H1N1 vaccine is expected to act very much like the regular flu mist."

Health officials are asking that residents get their standard flu shots now. Flu season officially begins Sunday, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Initial target groups for the shots are pregnant women, people caring for babies who are 6 months or younger, healthcare and emergency services personnel, people 6 months through 24 years old, persons 25 through 64 years old who have health conditions.

Children 9 years old and younger must take two shots, an initial dose and a booster 21-28 days later.