This is a turn from years past, when people lined up at clinics, churches, and pharmacies, frantic to get a seasonal flu shot. The big question then was where to get vaccinated, not if it was important.
While many of us are debating whether or not to have ourselves or our children immunized, doses of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine are slowly being dispersed around the country. Even if you have decided to opt out of the vaccine for now (hopefully, in consultation with your doctor), what if you change your mind? Or what if your circumstances change -- like several coworkers contract it or children at your child's school are diagnosed?
I am not trying to be alarmist -- I don't think that's wise at this point in the pandemic -- and I do recognize that it takes two full weeks for the vaccination to fully protect the patient. But I do think it is a good idea for each of us to know where and when we can get an H1N1 swine flu vaccine if we so choose. It can't hurt to have the the information, after all, no matter how we choose to use it.
This Flu Locator is an easy tool to check where vaccinations are or will be available in your area. Simply click on your state and this governmental site will take you to a page with links detailed information on both H1N1 swine flu and seasonal flu vaccines.
Since I am not a health care worker, am in good health, and am not pregnant, I am not eligible for the first two rounds of vaccines available in my state. But at the end of November, if I can't get the shot from my own doctor, I hope to find a convenient place to be immunized. Until then, I will bookmark the site and check back for updates.
Is the H1N1 swine flu vaccine readily available where you are? Have you had a hard time finding a place to get vaccinated?
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