How to Get the Swine Flu Vaccine

Do you want to get vaccinated for the swine flu? Many people do. There is a shortage of vaccines, though, and not everyone is going to be able to get one. Here's what you can do to maximize your chances.

What You'll Need

telephone directory or internet access

Instructions

Start by contacting your doctor. Ask if he or she has swine flu vaccines. Many internists and general practitioners do not, but it's the best place to start.

While you're speaking to your doctor, ask if you would be considered at high risk for the swine flu. Some people are considered high risk, including children, pregnant women, people with respiratory problems, and health care worker. Where vaccines are limited, people who are considered to be at high risk are usually given first priority.

If your doctor considers you at high risk, ask if you can have something that says so in writing. That way you'll have it if you need to convince another doctor to give you the vaccine. If you are not considered at high risk, though, don't give up. You may still be able to get the vaccine.

If your own doctor does not have the swine flu vaccine, or if you are unable to receive the vaccine from your doctor because you are not considered at high risk, get out your phone book or use an online telephone directory and contact other doctors in your area. Some doctors may be more likely to have the vaccine than others, including pediatricians, obstetricians, allergists, and pulmonologists. You can call these doctors and ask if they have the vaccine and if you could get it from them, even if you would not normally see these doctors (for instance, if you are not pregnant or do not have allergies). If your own doctor considers you to be at high risk, make sure to mention that when you call.

If you cannot find a place to get the vaccine in your area, try the nearest large city. It might be worth a little drive to get vaccinated, and doctors in large cities are more likely to have the vaccine than doctors in rural areas.

You can also contact the board of health in your country. Many health boards have the vaccine, but they general make it available to high risk patients first, so be sure to mention it if you are considered high risk when you call.