Clinics for the H1N1 virus are going on, and in Kanawha County alone, many school children have not, at the time of this story airing, not received their vaccine. While others are already getting their second round of vaccine. So, for concerned parents, there are still many questions concerning this virus. So if your child is sick and you think it is influenza, your doctor will likely say it's the H1N1 virus. Pediatrician Joe Matusic says at this point of the swine flu season, parents are asking many important questions. First, where do we get the H1N1 vaccine, and why doesn't my doctor have it for us?

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD/Pediatrician
I would get it as soon as you can. Where ever you can get it. The way that this is allotted is, each state gets an allotment, then gives it to the counties and the county health department decides where it's going to go. They've decided they're going to give small amounts to doctors for their high risk patients. Then they're going to use the rest in their clinics. Right now, a lot of doctors have it on order. We keep hearing 2-3 weeks. But if you can go to the health department and get it quicker, go get it. Just get the first dose in, as soon as possible.

The next frequently asked question.. Is the nasal spray or shot version of the vaccine better?

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD
There's only one issue with the shot versus nasal. The regular seasonal flu vaccine comes in a nasal and shot version. So does the H1N1. You can't give the nasal version of both within 28 days of each other.

And finally parents ask, how effective is getting the second dose of H1N1?

Dr. Joe Matusic, MD
It's roughly 50, 60, 70 percent effective two weeks after the first dose. That goes up to 100 percent after two weeks after the second dose. So H1N1 can begin as soon as 21 days apart, but we generally recommend 28 days apart.

And if you have any questions regarding the timing of your child's vaccine, talk to your doctor.

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