H1N1 OR THE SWINE FLU – This H1N1 virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses, so humans don’t have any immunity to it. This is the reason it’s more likely that the outbreak could become a pandemic virus (having the ability to cause a global outbreak) because it could easily spread from person-to-person. 

This year, scientists are obviously well aware of the H1N1 flu and have developed and are now in the final testing phases of the specific vaccine to prevent Swine flu. This will not be a guess. The H1N1 has been isolated and potent vaccines will be available to the public to protect us all from this potentially deadly flu strain. 

The exact date of when the H1N1 flu shots will be available has not been determined. It is expected that the vaccine will be available the middle of October and then there will only be a limited supply available to those most vulnerable – the young (6 months – 24 years), those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, healthcare professionals and those who are the caregivers of the young (infants under 6 months of age) and chronically ill. This covers approximately 159 million people. So, there will be a large segment of the population who will not receive the H1N1 flu shot until possibly December when more vaccine is available.