More H1N1 vaccine arrived in Buchanan County, and the number of groups eligible to receive it also increased.

The City of St. Joseph Health Department announced Wednesday that this second vaccine allocation will go to pregnant women, caregivers with household contact with infants under the age of 6 months and health care and emergency medical service workers who care for, treat or have contact with individuals with flu-like symptoms. Kids ages 6 months to 4 years and children ages 5 through 18 who have medical conditions that put them at risk for influenza-related complications also are eligible to receive the vaccine.

The health department said much of the vaccine allocation continues to be the LAIV nasal spray, which is approved for individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant and are otherwise healthy. The nasal spray and the available injectable vaccine have been distributed to providers and pharmacies in St. Joseph. The injectable vaccine is geared toward children ages 5 through 18 with chronic health conditions.

In addition, there is a limited supply of thimerosol-free vaccine for women who are pregnant, which can be obtained at obstetrician offices. However, because the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services determined that a shortage of preservative-free vaccine prevented certain individuals from obtaining the H1N1 vaccine, director Margaret Donnelly provided an exemption from a Missouri statute that prohibits giving pregnant women and children under 3 vaccines that contain mercury-based preservatives. Pregnant women and parents of children under 3 are encouraged to consult their health care provider to determine which vaccine formulation is best for them.

To see a list of which local providers have received the H1N1 vaccine, go online to www.stjoemo.info/flu or call 271-5325.

Erin Wisdom can be reached

at ewisdom@npgco.com.