Members of the priority groups should contact their healthcare provider to learn if the H1N1 vaccine is available in their area. 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.

The CDC indicates that eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants to receive it, but that may be several months away. Public vaccination clinics will be held across the state once sufficient vaccine becomes available.

Even as the H1N1 vaccine becomes more widely available, it is important to follow these steps to prevent the spread of illness:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put the used tissue in the waste basket. If don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, but never into your hands or onto bare skin.Keep your hands away from your face and don't touch your mouth, nose and eyes.Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.Keep clean frequently used surfaces such as knobs, countertops and desks.Stay home from work or school whenever you are sick, and remain home until you are fully recovered.

A wide range of H1N1 information is available online at www.H1N1inPA.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health