The first doses of H1N1 vaccine were shipped out across America on Thursday. People will be able to get them early next week, but many, even those in the highest risk groups, still aren't sure what to do when it comes to getting the new vaccine.
Expecting a baby in two and a half months, Celmira Venancio has plenty of things to worry about, including the swine flu and the vaccine.
"I haven't talked with my doctor about it. I have an appointment two weeks from now," said Venancio.
By then the vaccine will be available and Venancio will be at the top on the list to get it -- if she wants it.
The Centers for Disease Control recommend that the following people get the vaccine as soon as possible: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, health care and emergency service personnel, people between the ages of 6 months to 24 years old and others who have chronic health disorders.
But even with the list, there is still plenty of confusion.
"I've heard different things from different people so I am just waiting to clarify that," said Norma Terrazas, who is eight months pregnant. "I just want to know how safe it is."
Researchers say there have been no adverse reactions from the vaccine in any of the clinical trials, including one on 60 pregnant women. But the swine flu has had an effect on the general population.
To date, the CDC says 56 children have died from swine flu in the United States. They say 31 of them had existing medical conditions and 17 were healthy. They have no data on the other eight cases.
In addition to children, there have been 28 deaths of pregnant women. While that sounds small, it is actually 6 percent of the total number of swine flu deaths, and pregnant women make up less than 1 percent of the American population.
Testing of the new H1N1 vaccine is being conducted at Baylor College of Medicine.
"The vaccine seems to be very well tolerated. Of course we don't have any information on immunity because it is too early," said Dr. Paul Glezen, who is helping run the trial at Baylor.
Still, that's not enough comfort for Terrazas. But while she is going to "wait and see," the swine flu is already here.
