The San Juan County Health Department reports that it will receive its first shipment of vaccine against the H1N1 virus this week and distribution may begin as early as Thursday, Oct. 8. People who are potentially eligible for early vaccination should contact their health care provider or the San Juan County Health Department (378-4474).

Top priority is given to caregivers of infants less than six months (including siblings, parents, and household members), healthcare workers and EMS workers with direct patient contact, and healthy children two through four years of age. These are groups public health officials have determined to be at the highest risk groups for spreading infections, and for potential hospitalization or death or are essential personnel in preventing further spread of the infection.

This “live attenuated” vaccine, which is administered nasally, has been approved for healthy people two through 49-years-old; however it has not been approved for pregnant women or for people with asthma, diabetes or other chronic illness.

In approximately two weeks a shipment of a different type of H1N1 vaccine that is given by injection and is safe for pregnant women and other high risk groups will arrive in San Juan County.

The vaccine will be available on each island through major medical providers and the San Juan County Health Department.