More H1N1 vaccine becoming available

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Swine flu vaccines are starting to pour into the Pioneer Valley, leaving the vaccine more readily available to parents and children.

Dr. Karen Conway, a pediatrician at Riverbend Medical Group, told 22News that their facility received nearly 300 doses of the H1N1 vaccine this past week. That’s the most the group has ever received in one shipment.

Dr. Conway said that on an average day the clinic receives nearly 150 calls, but since the large shipment earlier in the week the calls have increased to well over 500.

Currently, Riverbend is distributing the vaccine to those who 18-years-old and younger, pregnant women and parents. The vaccine is limited, so only those who are eligible and at high-risk should be inquiring about the vaccine.

Riverbend Medical Group hopes to get another shipment of the vaccine in the near fututre.