# 4167
After more than two months of waiting, I was finally able to get my H1N1 shot last Monday. Five days later, I am hopefully building an impressive army of H1N1 antibodies.
Since I am visiting a rehab center once or twice daily, and interacting with staff and patients for several hours each visit, getting the shot was more than just about protecting myself.
It was about protecting people I come in contact with, as well. A largely elderly and vulnerable population.
While no vaccine is 100% effective, the H1N1 vaccine is expected to provide pretty good protection, particularly for those of us under the age of 65.
For the elderly, that level of protection will likely be less. Which is why it is important for all of us who can - to get the shot.
If we deprive the virus of susceptible hosts (herd immunity), it loses much of its ability to spread. And if those of us under 65 aren’t spreading the virus, the vulnerable members of our society - the elderly, small children, and those with chronic conditions - are less likely to be exposed.
The H1N1 vaccine supply is finally catching up with demand, and in many states anyone who wants the shot can now get it.
With the virus currently on the decline, and vaccine supplies increasing, now is the perfect time to do something for your friends, your family, and your community.
Get the flu shot. Take one for the team.
This report from UPI.
Sebelius: H1N1 vaccine now plentiful
Published: Dec. 18, 2009 at 8:18 AM
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- More than 100 million U.S. doses of the swine flu vaccine were available Friday as 24 states lifted restrictions on who could get the vaccine, officials said.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Thursday the vaccine to guard against the H1N1 virus was plentiful, topping 100 million doses, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The newspaper said some U.S. pharmacies are beginning to receive vaccine available for general distribution, ending restrictions that favored those most at risk, including children and pregnant women. Now, the Times said, health officials' biggest fear is that many people will decide they don't need the vaccine now because the epidemic appears to be waning.
