Good news, bad news for Alzheimer's research

Shipment of the vaccine for the H1N1 virus will begin in mid-October, according to a recently released “planning Q&A” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Administration of the vaccine is expected to begin in the fall, the agency said.

One scenario follows that over a four-week period around mid-October, approximately 120 million doses will be released followed by the release of 20 million doses per week, the CDC said. Another scenario would allow for up to 20 million doses to be released in late September followed by 80 million per month thereafter. Recipients of the vaccine will be clinics, offices, health departments and other project area-designated sites, the CDC said. Five manufacturers are producing the vaccine for the U.S.

Last month, an advisory committee with the CDC recommended that five target groups receive the vaccine. One group is those 25 through 64 who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. To the relief of long-term care providers, those 65 and older are considered at lesser risk for infection than younger age groups. But once vaccine demand among younger groups is met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 and older, the CDC recommends.

To find out more, go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.