The first doses of the Swine Flu vaccine are expected to arrive in the DC Metro area on Tuesday, but it may be several days before the general public can begin getting vaccinated.
More than 43,000 doses of the H1N1 Swine Flu nasal mist are on their way to Virginia. Maryland expects more than 50,000 doses this week. The first doses will be used to immunize health care workers and then children.
“We expect to start a school-based vaccination clinic in the next couple of weeks when we have enough vaccine,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County’s health director.
Right now, only the nasal mist is available. It cannot be given to adults and children with chronic illnesses or pregnant women.
So far, there are no figures as to how many people in the metro area have been bitten by the Swine Flu bug. But it got Montgomery County’s health director.
“I had chills. I had achiness all over and I was very tired and it lasted for about five to seven days,” said Dr. Ulder Tillman. “Mine seemed to be different in that it seemed to go away and I thought I was fine and then it came back.”
Tillman isn’t taking any chances. She says she plans to get the Swine Flu vaccine when it arrives.
