Is the nasal spray safe for children? The live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (or LAIV) is recommended for people from 2 through 24 years of age who are healthy and that people in this age group get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.

What steps should I take to keep my children protected from the H1N1 flu virus? People are reminded that they can reduce their exposure to flu virus by washing their hands regularly, using hand sanitizer when needed, and covering their cough and sneezes. To protect others, keep a child home from school or stay home from work when fever is present, and do not return until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the help of medicine.

Why shouldn't pregnant women get the nasal spray form of the vaccination? Pregnant women should get the "flu shot" -- a vaccine that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The other type of flu vaccine -- nasal-spray flu vaccine -- is not currently approved for use in pregnant women. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

How do we learn about more vaccination doses as they become more available? Visit flu.masspro; limited numbers of public clinics are now posted which you can search by zip code. More clinics will be added to this database as they are scheduled. We encourage parents to contact their kids' pediatrician or their own doctor to see if s/he has H1N1 vaccine and if an appointment can be scheduled to receive it.

Where can I learn more about vaccination recommendations and updates?

-- cdc/h1n1flu -- www.flu -- www.mass/flu -- Call Mass 211 which will provide you information on where clinics are in your vicinity

About The Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council (NERAC)