Santa Clara County plans to start offering the swine flu vaccine in three to four weeks.
The County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency and set aside half a million dollars to pay for special vaccine clinics.
Valley Medical Center will offer five sites although the exact dates of the clinics haven't been determined yet. There should be enough vaccines for everyone in the county who wants it.
"The main issue is it will com in in small quantities over the next few weeks. Initially we will not get all the vaccine we need so we will have to prioritize the vaccine" said Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Marty Fenstersheib.
Those who will receive first priority include pregnant women, children between the ages of six months and 18 years, young adults up to age 24, those living with kids under 6 months old , health care providers and people under age 64 with chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease.
"With H1N1 the average age of those who are infected is only 17," said Dr. Fenstersheib.
Adults will only need one vaccine but kids under age 10 will need two doses.
Local
People are encouraged to get the vaccine from their personal doctor but those who don't have that option will be able to receive the vaccine from several community clinics.
