As is the situation with other metro counties including nearby Clayton, Fulton County has received what Department of Health and Wellness Communications Director April Majors called a “very limited supply” of the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine.

Fulton received 5,300 doses of this type of vaccine from the initial shipment to the state of more than 54,800 doses.

“Due to this limited amount received, the Georgia Department of Community Health has advised local health districts to offer the nasal spray exclusively to healthy children, ages 2 to 4, in addition to caretakers of that group,” Ms. Majors said.

The vaccine is being administered to this select group at Fulton’s eight public health centers, including south Fulton’s only center: the College Park Regional Health Center, 1920 John Wesley Ave.

However, children who have a compromised immune system are not, at this time, able to receive the nasal-administered vaccine, Ms. Majors said.

These children may receive it when it arrives in the form administered through an injection.

No information has been received as to when that form of the vaccine will be available, but the public will be advised, Ms. Majors added.

She said children are one of the primary target groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine, as these children are more susceptible to actually contracting and spreading the virus.

“It is anticipated more of the vaccine will be delivered as it is manufactured and the health department will advise residents of such increased availability,” she added.

As to the cost of the nasal mist version, Ms. Majors said the Fulton County Department of Community Health is not permitted to charge patients any out-of-pocket fee in public health clinics or mass vaccination sites conducted on behalf of a public health entity.