WHO: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launches a mass free inoculation program.

WHAT: The 2009 H1N1 pandemic-flu vaccine will be released the first week of October beginning with the nasal spray Flu-Mist type (which contains a weakened live virus) intended only for healthy younger individuals ages 2- 49. Later the injectable vaccine (killed virus), which is recommended for pregnant, elderly and other individuals with existing chronic medical conditions, will be released. The number of doses will depend on person's age, although early trials show a single dose may provide sufficient protection for most adults and children ages 10 and older. Children under 10 will definitely need two doses, 21 days apart.

The H1N1 vaccine is separate from the usual seasonal vaccine. You need to be vaccinated by both types of influenza vaccine (H1N1 and seasonal) to be fully protected. Check if your doctor thinks you need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine. If you want to be vaccinated for the H1N1 flu and normal seasonal flu at the same time, it must be by the injectable (killed virus) form. Both types of live virus Flu-Mist nasal spray should not be given at the same visit

WHEN: The campaign is to start on October 1st and have continuing distribution of additional vaccines on a weekly basis. There is a projected goal of 251 million doses.

WHERE: The vaccine will be distributed to all state health departments, which will dispense it to area healthcare providers and designated facilities (such as pharmacies, workplaces and schools) throughout each state. Contact your primary healthcare provider or hospital for specific locations and dates /times.

WHY: This is a national as well as a global effort to help reduce severity and spread of this novel flu strain, especially since protection for this strain is not included in this year's regular seasonal flu shot.  According to the International Society for Infectious Diseases Organization (ISIDO), as of Sep 20, 2009 there were more than 300,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 with 3917 deaths. These were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by 191 countries and territories.  The ISIDO further states the actual case count may be significantly higher than reported since milder cases are no longer being tested for influenza type.

The ISIDO has been receiving reports that H1N1 flu has led to the development of acute respiratory infections in some individuals, as this particular strain of influenza tends to infiltrate the lower branches of airways. Therefore, individuals who are more prone to respiratory infections (when a cold or the flu often progresses into a bronchial infection) are urged to seek prompt medical care should they feel they are coming down with the flu or developing complications from the flu.

Subsequent news broadcasts indicate that the CDC is preparing take-home cards which will tell vaccine recipients how to report any suspected side effects to the nation's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting system. So far, there have been no serious reported side effects in the vaccine testing, unlike for the 1976 swine flu vaccine.

Please take this outbreak seriously and discuss with your own doctor what will be the best strategy for you and your existing health problems.

WARNING: People allergic to eggs or feathers should never receive an influenza vaccine.

FOR MORE INFO - Check out an excellent article titled, What You Need to Know about the H1N1 Vaccine, by Alice Park in the October 5^th issue of TIME Magazine. An internet version of this article is currently available at the TIME website .

For more detail about H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza, see the Centers for Disease Control's H1N1 influenza website.

Advice about swine flu (H1N1) and Tamiflu can also be found at the ME Association (MEA)  in the UK. The latest, updated version (version 4) contains additional information relating to employment and pregnancy, as well as feedback from people with ME/CFIDS who have had swine flu and taken Tamiflu. Click on News and Quick Links section from the MEA Home page.