First Swine Flu Vaccines To Protect Healthcare Workers

The first batch of vaccines to prevent swine flu is expected in Tennessee next week.

The initial wave will be targeted at protecting healthcare workers.

States’ shares of the first batch of swine flu vaccine are based on population, with Tennessee’s numbering about 30 thousand. State epidemiologist Tim Jones says it will go entirely to hospitals to be given to healthcare workers.

“Obviously that’s a very important group to protect because we need them there, and then as the supply grows it will start going out to community providers and health departments and pharmacies.”

Jones says the next wave will prioritize pregnant women, as well as small children and younger people with conditions like asthma and heart disease.

Jones says it shouldn’t take long for the vaccine to become widely available; he says national production will soon ramp up to 20 million vaccines a week.