H1N1 vaccine clinics

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Supplies of the H1N1 vaccine are beginning to increase, but a national shortage still remains.

The Centers for Disease Control says that nearly 30 million doses have been shipped so far, and expect more to keep coming. That's good news since the virus remains widespread in 48 states.

In West Michigan, the news isn't so good, with the news of more H1N1 related deaths.

On Friday, the Calhoun County Health Department reported its first two deaths that are related to H1N1, a 21-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman. Both had underlying medical conditions.

Newschannel 3 also learned that two more deaths in Kalamazoo County are H1N1 related.

While the H1N1 deaths making news, health experts say that most of those who have died had underlying health conditions, and the number of deaths is the same as with the seasonal flu. Pneumonia is a common, but very serious complication of any flu.

Doctors say that they are seeing that possible H1N1 related patients do seem to deteriorate faster once complications, like pneumonia, kick in.

People with lung or heart problems are advised that they are at a higher risk of complications and urged to see a doctor if they have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Complications can arise even after people think they've kicked the flu.

“You first have a case of influenza, you might have had it a week or two ago, then you look like you're getting better and your fever goes down, then suddenly you take a turn for the worse, you come down with that pneumonia,' said Dr. Richard Van Enk of Bronson Methodist Hospital.

People want to make sure that they've had, or get a pneumonia vaccine, and get the flu vaccines, both H1N1 and seasonal, as soon as they're available.

There are several H1N1 flu clinics going on Saturday. Van Buren, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, and Kent Counties are all holding clinics.

The Kent County clinic is reservation only and Saturday's clinic is full. The other counties are running first-come first-served clinics.

All the clinics are for high-risk groups only, and people must be in one of those groups to get the vaccine.

You can find many H1N1 resources by clicking here.