Dept. of Health Update on H1N1 Vaccine Distribution

HARRISBURG - The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has allocated a total of 964,100 doses of H1N1 vaccine to Pennsylvania to date, the state Department of Health announced today.

“While delays in vaccine production have occurred, the department continues placing orders as soon as vaccine is allocated to ensure it reaches Pennsylvania residents as quickly as possible,” said Secretary of Health Everette James.

The vaccine has been distributed to 927 certified providers, including pediatricians, family health practitioners, obstetricians, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities that agreed to target the groups of people considered most vulnerable to complications from the H1N1 virus.

Priority groups for receiving the H1N1 vaccination include pregnant women; persons six months to 24 years old; healthcare providers and emergency medical services personnel; parents, household members or caregivers of children under six months; and those under 65 with certain underlying medical conditions.

Members of priority groups should contact their healthcare provider to find an H1N1 vaccination site. If their provider does not plan to administer the vaccine or if an individual does not have a healthcare provider, please call 1-877-PA HEALTH or visit here. Public vaccination clinics will be held across the state once sufficient vaccine becomes available.