North Country gets small initial shipment of "swine flu" vaccine

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The vaccine for the H1N1 virus—or swine flu—reached health departments across the North Country this week.

Each county got at least 200 doses of flu mist. It’s a nasal spray that uses a live—but weakened—strain of the virus. Quantities depended on county population.

Five hundred doses went to St Lawrence County, where Debbie Kent is director of public health. She says health care workers will get some of the nasal spray, but most of it will be saved until more of the vaccine arrives.

Lori Williams is coordinator of the Clinton County health education unit. She says her office sent the vaccine to pediatricians across the County.

There are two kinds of swine flu vaccines: the nasal spray and an injectable form. Jefferson County health department spokesman Stephen Jennings says county officials are waiting for the shots before starting flu clinics — because people who are pregnant, diabetics or have other health issues can’t take the nasal spray.

Health officials say they’re expecting more shipments of the swine flu vaccine—including the “injectable” form—next week.