As of October 30, 2009, 16,870,00 doses of the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine have been shipped to states out of the 23,160,700 allocated doses. Distribution of the vaccine is managed by health departments using a similar process for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The vaccine is sent directly to the end user (i.e., medical clinic, hospital, doctor’s office etc) if the end user has registered with their state’s Department of Public Health.

For example, in Massachusetts, more than 4,000 health care providers have signed up to receive the vaccine. Only those providers who have signed up will get them. However there is a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine and the current supply in Massachusetts means that not everyone who is in the high priority groups will be able to receive the vaccine. Approximately 3.4 million people fall into the high priority group while as of 10/28/09, the state received only 404,500 doses.

To find our how your state is faring in vaccine availability visit the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Supply Status page on the CDC website.