Every day health care providers and public health agencies are receiving new shipments of H1N1 vaccine. As a result, information on where and when clinics are being held changes daily.  The following tools may be helpful for New Jerseyans seeking an H1N1 flu shot.

First, Google Inc. has launched a flu shot finder to provide individuals with the locations of clinics that offer seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. This site can be accessed through the Department of Health and Senior Services website at http://nj.gov/health/flu/h1n1.shtml.  It allows the public to search by town, county and zip code to find flu shots at locations such as major retail pharmacies and supermarkets.  The site also includes the public health clinics that have been listed on the Department of Health and Senior Services’ “Find a Flu Shot” button. The website can also be accessed at www.google.com/flushot.

Second, individuals can contact their physician, community health center, local pharmacy, local or county health department, hospital or school. Many doctors, health clinics and schools are providing vaccine to their patients and students, while local health departments, pharmacies and some hospitals are offering clinics to the public.  

Third, residents can find public health clinics by accessing the State’s “Find a Flu Shot” button. The flu shot locator is at www.state.nj.us/health/flu/findflushot.shtml.

Fourth, residents can call New Jersey’s H1N1 Information Hotline - 1-866-321-9571. Live operators are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The hotline has answered 20,000 calls since it opened on Oct. 6.

More than 1.1 million doses of vaccine have been shipped to more than 1,000 public health and health care providers throughout every region and county in New Jersey. Below is a breakdown of the amount of H1N1 and type of provider that received the vaccine. 

• County and local health department – 600,000 doses
• Physicians’ offices and employee health services – 300,000 doses
• Hospitals – 105,000 doses
• Community Health Centers – 36,000 doses
• Colleges – 23,000 doses
• Government agency and health care facilities that serve target populations – 45,000 doses
• Retail Pharmacies – 20,000 doses

The federal government has assured DHSS that they will be able to produce and distribute enough vaccine for everyone who wants it.  However, with limited vaccine available at this time, it is important to first target the individuals most susceptible to H1N1 flu. 

Residents can visit the H1N1 Resource Center website that includes important information and timely updates on H1N1 flu in New Jersey.  The website can be found at www.nj.gov/health. Additional information on H1N1 flu is available at the federal website, www.flu.gov.