Plenty of H1N1 vaccine

So far, 250 doctors and pharmacists have signed up to get the swine flu vaccine that's expected to arrive by mid-October, State Epidemiologist Dr. Mary Currier told lawmakers working on the state budget Tuesday. State health officials said they are moving forward with plans to vaccinate students and other residents next month amid news that the state has recorded its seventh death related to the H1N1 flu.

"We anticipate that there will be plenty of vaccine," she told reporters after addressing members of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

There are 898 confirmed swine flu cases in the state, according to the state Department of Heath.

The most recent death was reported Monday and involved a Jones County woman - the second woman to die in Jones County from the H1N1 flu. The earlier Jones County fatality and a woman in Tippah County who died from the flu were reported Saturday.

Other swine flu deaths in Mississippi were a male child in Jackson County reported July 25, a female child in Hancock County reported Aug. 29, a woman in Washington County reported Sept. 5 and a woman in Hancock County reported Sept. 12.

Currier said that priority status for the vaccine will be given to those who are particularly vulnerable to the flu, such as pregnant women, caregivers of children aged 6 months and younger and emergency and medical personnel.

Other priority groups for vaccination are those 25-64 years old with chronic heart, lung (including asthma), kidney and liver problems; and those who are immunosuppressed, as well as health care and emergency service providers.

The Health Department expects the H1N1 flu vaccine to be available for free at all county health departments. It also will be available at participating private physicians' offices, community health centers, some pharmacies, and other clinics that will target priority groups for the swine flu vaccine.

"We're also trying to provide Tamiflu to community health centers and to pharmacies, especially to pharmacies so we can ensure that folks who don't have access, have access," Currier said.

Nationwide and in Mississippi, swine flu deaths remain comparable to those from seasonal flu, according to the Health Department. Also, seasonal and swine flu remain similar in most symptoms and in duration and severity.

The Health Department is working with schools regarding vaccine administration and will work with Head Start programs, day-care centers, colleges and universities throughout the state.

Currier said swine flu responds well to traditional anti-virals. Most people recover without hospitalization.