The University Health Center will receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, but not until later in the distribution process, health center director Dr. James Guest said.

Initially, the vaccine is being released and distributed in small quantities to providers who treat people who are at highest risk for complications. At this time, the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department is responsible for distributing the vaccine allotted to the county by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

“While you hear vaccine is being distributed throughout the state and county, I wanted UNL students to know the Health Center will not receive any of the earliest shipments,” Guest said. “Because of the very limited amount of vaccine available, the vaccine is being given to providers who treat those individuals who have been assigned the highest priority level by the Centers for Disease Control. As the supply of vaccine increases, the UHC will receive the vaccine and eventually there should be vaccine for all those who desire the vaccine. When we receive the vaccine, we will release information to let UNL students know the details of how to receive the vaccine.”

According to the CDC, there is not an expected shortage of the H1N1 vaccine but availability and demand will be unpredictable and available in limited quantities early in the distribution cycle.

UHC will announce when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available on campus. Guest also encourages students, faculty and staff to get a seasonal influenza vaccination, which is available at UHC for $20. Check the UHC Web site, http://health.unl.edu/resources/flu, for H1N1 and seasonal influenza updates.

H1N1 Priority

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following priority for receiving the 2009 H1N1 vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months
• Health care and emergency services personnel
• Children from 6 months through 18
• Young adults 19-24
• Persons aged 25-64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza