The Coastal Health District has received an initial shipment of 3,200 doses of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. The shipment was part of the initial batch of 54,800 doses of H1N1 vaccine received by the state of Georgia. The doses are being distributed throughout the district’s eight counties that include Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, McIntosh, Liberty and Long.

The first shipment is in the form of a nasal spray that contains live attenuated influenza vaccine (live virus). The spray cannot cause the H1N1 flu; however, as with seasonal flu vaccine, some minor side effects could occur including a low-grade fever, runny nose, nasal congestion or cough.

Because the first vaccine allocation is small and consists of the nasal spray only, the Coastal Health District is following recommendations by the state of Georgia to target young children (primarily ages 2-4) with the initial vaccine doses.

“More doses are expected to arrive in the District in coming weeks, including the injectable version of the vaccine,” said Dr. Diane Weems, Coastal Health District Chief Medical Officer. “As we receive more shipments, we will continue to make the vaccine available to additional priority groups including, young children, pregnant women, health care workers and other high-risk populations.

“We expect to receive ample supplies of the vaccine as we move further into flu season and ask that our citizens be patient. As soon as the H1N1 vaccine is readily available, it will be offered in multiple sites throughout the district.”

Nasal spray vaccine doesn’t take as long as vaccine in flu shot form to produce, which is why it is ready first. The H1N1 vaccine is made using the same procedures used to make regular seasonal flu and is safe and is expected to be quite effective.

Health departments will not charge for the vaccine; however Medicaid, Medicare and some private insurance can be billed for a nominal administration fee.