The U.S. Government’s Health and Human Services department has just released information on the Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccine as well as the influenza vaccine on www.flu.gov. If you’re concerned about the swine flu, you should definitely take the time to view the video in its entirety.

The government is recommending that pregnant women and young children receive H1N1 vaccinations first, as these two groups are at highest risk of contracting the virus. Unlike the regular influenza, which strikes older people the hardest (most influenza deaths in the U.S. occur to those over 65), the H1N1 targets young children and those whos immune systems are not functioning fully.

What has concerned some mothers is that clinical trials for pregnant woman will start in September when they will test for correct dosage and side effects of the new vaccine. Without extensive testing, some mothers are hesitant to introduce the vaccine to their fetuses.

The Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Center for Disease Control back up their argument for recommending the vaccine by citing the safety and long time use of the influenza vaccine. It has a very good track record for safety and they know exactly how much vaccine to administer.

October is the target relase date for the first batch of H1N1 vaccines. The government still has to determine whether patients will need to take one double dose or one dose plus a booster three weeks later.

In case you contract the Swine Flu or even the regular flu, there are steps to take to minimize exposure to others like staying home, wearing a mask when you go out and wash wash wash your hands. The video goes over in much more detail what to do in this scenario and that information is quite helpful.