For the past few months, the H1N1 virus has waged a ruthless campaign on the human anatomy, laying siege to both the healthy and the weak.
But Tuesday, the cavalry finally arrived as 2,400 vaccinations were delivered to the Alachua County Health Department.
According to Paul Myers, the health department's assistant director, 2,250 vaccines have been distributed to pediatricians across the county, and the department kept 150.
The vaccine, which comes in the form of a nasal spray, is what's known as a live attenuated influenza virus- a watered-down flu virus that helps the immune system.
The cost of the vaccine will be a nominal administration fee determined by doctors, Myers said.
However, he doesn't expect it to cost more than seasonal influenza vaccines, which typically range from $15 to $25. Vaccines given at the health department will be free.
Although requests for the vaccine exceed the amount that is currently available, Myers said that another shipment of 2,900 will arrive sometime early next week with allotments increasing weekly.
Myers expects Alachua County to receive 146,000 doses of the vaccine by mid-January.
