2009 H1N1 flu sometimes called "swine flu" is a new influenza virus causing illness among people.  This was first deducted in U.S during April 2009.  As the regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, this is also spreading from a person to other person through out the world immediately.  During June 2009 World Health Organisation signalled this as a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu.

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

Scientists expect both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause more people to get sick than a regular flu season. Vaccines are the most important tool we have for preventing influenza. The first doses of vaccines which protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) are starting to become available and more doses will be shipped in the upcoming weeks. The links below will take you to more information about the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines.

The CDC recommends the vaccine for certain high-priority groups such as pregnant women, caregivers to children below 6 months, people with existing problemslike diabetes and asthma between the age group of 25 and 64.  While first supply of vaccine are expected to arrive next week (nearly 6 to 7 million doses)to undisclosed distribution centres through out U.S., Federal Health Authorities have stressed that within the next few months 75 million doses will be produced before the end of this year.  The federal government has asked the states to determine the best way to distribute the vaccine, and the government will get the vaccine to various locations. According to a CNN/Opinion Corp. poll released in late August, 66 percent of Americans plan to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu.

The Department of Health and Human Services plans on putting information on flu.gov at the earliest, regarding where the vaccine will be available and when it will come.  Some H1N1 shots will contain the preservative thimerosal, and others won't, according to the CDC. You'll have to ask your doctor (or the clinic administering the shots) which type you're getting. Some people worry about thimerosal for children because it's mercury-based, but the CDC says there's no scientific evidence the preservative is harmful.

The following are other options for obtaining H1N1 flu vaccinations:

Contact your regular healthcare provider to see if they can provide the H1N1 vaccine that is right for you. The following link can help you locate a healthcare provider, if you do not have one: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/

Check your local newspaper or radio station to determine where additional H1N1 flu vaccinations may be available.  The vaccine will not cost to the public. However, there may be small administrative fees when seeing a private doctor.