Swine flu vaccinations begin next week

Tampa, Florida – H1N1 vaccinations will begin next Monday in Hillsborough County.

Health officials outlined their plan for voluntary vaccinations.

"The health department is continuing to see cases of the H1NI virus are swine flu," said Hillsborough County Health Department Medical Director Douglas Holt.

The swine flu vaccine will be distributed beginning next week and officials are urging that everyone consider being vaccinated.

The plan is to distribute the vaccine to as many people as possible. Health officials will deal with high risks groups, such as pregnant women and children, first. Exceptional students will receive the vaccinations beginning Monday. Elementary through high school students can get vaccines beginning Monday, October 26^th.

"It's free through the health department and we certainly don't want one child ill from this particular influenza," said Hillsborough County School Superintendent Maryellen Elia.

Private doctor's offices, employees at hospitals, and day care centers are next in line followed by the general public.

"You'll see it at pharmacies, walk-in clinics, you'll see the signs "Flu Shots are Available" as soon as we have enough supply to meet that demand," Holt said.

Officials expect that "demand" will be about 60 percent of the people living in Hillsborough County. Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties have all received the vaccines.

There's been no word yet on when Pinellas or Sarasota children will be able to get the shots.