COLUMBIA — Any Missouri resident seeking information about the H1N1 flu can now call a toll-free line to ge their questions answered.
The number is 877-FLU-4141 and can be accessed at all times.
Specialists answer questions about the new vaccine, symptoms of the flu, how to limit the spread of the virus and when to seek medical attention The new vaccine began arriving in Missouri early this month.
Medical professionals are available to help the specialists. Health care providers may also call the hot line for assistance and guidance.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is encouraging Missouri residents to get the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available. Pregnant women, children and young adults should receive the vaccine first, as they are at higher risk for contracting the virus.
Additional shipments of the aerosol mist and the injection form of the H1N1 vaccine began arriving in Missouri this week, according to the department's news release.
Pregnant women, children younger than 2 years old and any person with a health condition should receive the vaccination by injection, since the aerosol mist contains a live virus.
According to a news release from the department, the aerosol mist is safe for healthy people between 2 and 49 years old.
MU Health Care created a similar hot line last month. That number is 884-9898.