Children and adults should practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the flu. Use a tissue or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes; keep hands away from your face and don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes; wash your hands with soap often (washing for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" three times) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; keep frequently used surfaces clean; and stay home when sick.

Other priority groups targeted for vaccination include healthcare workers, pregnant women, household contacts and childcare providers for those under six months, and those under 65 with underlying health conditions.

The federal government has allocated more than a million doses of vaccine which the department has distributed to certified providers statewide. Members of the priority groups should contact their healthcare provider to learn if the H1N1 vaccine is available. If their provider does not plan to administer the vaccine or if an individual does not have a healthcare provider, please call 1-877-PA HEALTH or visit www.H1N1inPA for more information.

As vaccine supplies improve, the Department of Health will begin to offer public vaccination clinics.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health