Las Vegas NowFewer than Expected Getting H1N1 Vaccine

Fewer than Expected Getting H1N1 Vaccine

Thousands of doses of the H1N1 flu mist vaccine are still available for health care workers, child caretakers and some toddlers. Less than a 1,000 people have taken the flu mist in southern Nevada, but many could be waiting for the traditional injectable version of the vaccine.

The Southern Nevada Health District says this is possibly nothing more than a comfort issue. Since Saturday, the health district has administered 897 doses of the flu mist. While some health care workers are still not sure if they want the vaccine, some say they're just waiting.

"Some people are old fashioned and firefighters are old fashioned. The inoculation by injection is different than the live one and they feel that offers more protection for them because the occupation they are in. We are in a more hazardous situation than the average citizen," said Tim Szymanski with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue.

Szymanski was quick to point out that they don't believe there is anything wrong with the flu mist, but many just feel the shot is more reliable because of the amount of sick people they come in contact with.

SNHD says this is a common misconception. Dr. John Middaugh says the flu mist and the injectable vaccine are equally effective. He doesn't want the general public to shy away from the nasal spray, especially since it is available now. They want to vaccinate everyone as quickly as possible.

"Clearly some people are unnecessarily concerned to get the vaccine and we want to reassure them that they have no reason to be afraid. The vaccine is very safe, very effective," said Middaugh.

Dr. Middaugh says it is also a common misconception that the nasal spray will give you the flu. He says that is not true. Side effects are the same as the regular seasonal flu vaccine.

If you are waiting for the injectable version, the health district is hoping to get its first batch later this week. Pregnant women will have priority when that comes out. They expect demand to go up for both the shot and the nasal spray.

Right now, a lot of people are getting used to the idea of a new vaccine out there.