As the news blazes with countless reports of the Swine Flu epidemic taking toll of hundreds of lives throughout the world, the Orange County officials are taking their stand to fight the bug. The first shipments of swine flu vaccine are expected to arrive this week in various school districts and work places in Orange County, where an estimated 1.6 million residents are advised to get immunized due to their age, health and even occupation.

Because of the short supply and the nature of the vaccine it has been directed to private health care providers that can reach two primary populations: healthy children from ages 2-18 and healthy caregivers of infants under 6 months.

Approximately 500,000 additional vaccine in both injectable and FluMist formulas are anticipated to be distributed by early November.

Until then however, the CDC recommends that only pregnant women, people who live with children under 6 months of age, personnel with healthcare and emergency medical services, individuals between ages 6 and 24 as well as people between the ages between 25-64 who are at high risk of chronic health disorders.

“I think that schools should be prioritized in getting the vaccine because it’s definitely easier for kids and teachers to spread and get  diseases” comments senior Adina Zepfel. In fact Rexburg High School in Rexburg, Idaho was one of the first schools to receive the vaccine on Tuesday, October 13.

So CdM, whip out your hand sanitizer and winter mittens and gear up to take on the swine flu!