H1N1 flu vaccinations begin

Health care workers began lining up for H1N1 flu immunizations today, becoming the first in Iowa to receive the vaccine.

St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids received 135 doses of the nasal spray form of vaccine that was used today during an employee flu clinic.

Iowa began receiving its first vaccine shipments Thursday and should receive flu shots in upcoming weeks.

The state received 18,000 doses of FluMist, the nasal spray that contains a weakened live virus.

Because the spray is not recommended for certain groups, such as pregnant women, the first doses in many cases are going to health care and emergency workers with direct patient contact.

Nicholas Heintz, 27, of Cedar Rapids, a paramedic and deputy for the Linn County Sheriff's Office, said the spray felt the same as using nasal cold spray medication.

Heintz, who works in St. Luke's Emergency Department, said he also received a shot for seasonal flu.

“I just feel that anything you get for protection is better than nothing,” he said.

Dr. Michael Miller, who also works in St. Luke's Emergency Department, said patients with flu symptoms and those with lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 flu have been seen at the hospital.

“We're trying to get everyone on the front lines immunized first,” he said. “Right now we're assuming everyone with flu symptoms has H1N1.”

Priority groups for the vaccine are pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months; health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact; children 6 months through 4 years of age; and children 5 through 18 with chronic medical conditions.

Even as more vaccine is shipped to the state, it could be December before any is available for the general public.