The FluMist® nasal spray vaccine is approved for healthy individuals from 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions. This live viral form of the vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women or for those suffering from chronic medical conditions. It is also not recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems. Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 nasal vaccine first are:

• Health care workers or emergency medical personnel through 49 years of age
• Healthy individuals from 2 through 24 years of age
• Healthy individuals who are from 25 through 49 years of age and live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age

Inactivated vaccine is recommended for those at highest risk of developing severe disease associated with influenza at this time. Those at highest risk include:

• Children less than five years of age
• Children with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions
• Children that are immunocompromised
• Children with neurological deficits
• Children with other chronic medical conditions including diabetes and heart disease

The focus group for these vaccinations in Pinal County continues to be those who are 24 years old and younger as well as pregnant women. However no one will be refused an H1N1 immunization unless they have a medical condition that would make it unwise to administer the vaccine.