CLARKSDALE – Injectable vaccine for the H1N1 Swine Flu virus is being distributed slowly in Mississippi to 1,000 private providers and all county health departments, according to Liz Sharlot, communications director of the state Health Department.

However, Sharlot says it is being earmarked for high risk categories: children six months to four years old, pregnant women and health care providers.

Sharlot updated college public relations and information directors in a telephone conference call Wednesday morning.

She said nasal mist was already available to health care providers and individuals ages 2 to 49.

According to Sharlot, vaccine was being put aside now for school children K through 12th grade who will receive it before college and university students.

In the future, vaccine will be available in colleges with health care centers, she said.

“It is going to be a long process,” she said. “We are still asking those who are sick to stay at home, and to get seasonal flu shots.”

“Seasonal flu shots are free from county health departments,” she said.