H1N1 Round one

Courtney Daniels scrunched her face. Wait a second. All over.

With a March 22 due date, the 19-year-old Waynesboro woman decided to receive the H1N1 vaccine Tuesday. The Augusta County Health Department lists expectant mothers as high-risk patients, and places them near the front of the line for the newly released vaccine.

More than 950 vaccine shots were delivered to Augusta Health Care for Women in Fishersville last week, said practice Manager Angie McMillan.

“We plan to have vaccinations between now through the end of the flu season, which is in March,” McMillan said. “As we use it [The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta] will make sure we have it.”

The clinic has administered more than 200 vaccinations so far, specifically targeting what the health department calls “key priority groups.”

The first wave of vaccinations will likely cover less than 1 percent of the state’s population, including pregnant women, new mothers, people who take care of young children and those who suffer from underlying health problems that make them more vulnerable.

Waynesboro Public Schools received two shipments of the vaccine shots this week, said Teresa Green, the district’s head nurse. Students and school staff will begin receiving shots today at Kate Collins Middle School.

“Right now I have 700,” Green said. “We’re actually close. We need a total of 1,500 doses. Now that its coming in faster we anticipate that it will be done soon.”

Green said her office received more than 1,300 requests for the vaccine. Children younger than 10 will receive two shots, she said, getting initial protection from the first shot and a “booster” for immunity with the second.

The H1N1 vaccine will become available to the wider community through local health departments, physicians, pharmacies and stores, McMillan said. Full access to the vaccine statewide is expected by mid-November, according to health officials.