How can I ensure I get the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine?

Yes, it’s back in the headlines. What still seems a bit fantastic and media fear mongering has me just a wee bit concerned, especially after reading this AP article posted this morning:
Pregnancy likely to be swine flu vaccine priority

The article details that second to health care workers, pregnant women (especially those in their second and third trimesters) are likely to become high priority recipients of the vaccine as the strain seems to be particularly taxing on them.

Well…

  • I am in my second trimester, and will be in my third during peak flu season (due in late December).

  • I have mild asthma that worsens during pregnancy (the first US death was a pregnant woman with a history of asthma); there is more concern over preggos with pre-existing conditions.

  • I am a middle school teacher, which means I am constantly exposed to the germs my kiddos drag into my classroom.

  • I teach in an area that has a very high Mexican population that travels back and forth across the borders several times a year. (Not sure that’s an issue anymore.)

  • Reportedly, one of our 6th graders in the city where I teach (different school site than mine) died of swine flu in June after becoming very ill in May. His death is attributed to swine flu on many news sites, but I am unsure if he is in the official victims list.

I know I should be fine, vaccine or not. Heck, only 15 pregnant women have died with this thing. But, considering everything, and that 160 million vaccines should be ready in October, I’d rather just make sure I get jabbed.

My main concern is my OB and/or GP will poo-poo it as unnecessary and the like.

Of course, I might just be a worried preggo right now (I’ve been going through a worrywort hormonal phase, as opposed to the weepy/snappy phase I went through a few weeks ago.)

Shall I just nag the crap out of my docs?

I regret I am unable to assist but I’d like to contribute something from the UK, namely that our Swine Flu Website collapsed yesterday immediately following its launch.

The government says the reason is heavy demand but I prefer to think the site has been attacked by a virus.

Nine million hits in an hour - and they didn’t even have any revenue-generating content on it. Idiots.

You might get the flu now, and just suffer a mild infection now while you’re still in your second trimester, and be done with it. Let your own imuunesystem work for you.

It’s hard to catch on demand, and of course the reports say that second trimester is also risky.

Are they expecting to even have a vaccine available in time?

In any case - if they are, I suspect that either it’ll be available in public clinics (in which case you can stand in line - maybe see if they have a high-risk-gets-top-priority rule). If they will have it at doctors’ offices, make sure your primary care doc knows that you are in a high risk group.