Central Texas Veterans Health Care System received 1,300 doses of H1N1 vaccine on Thursday from the VA.
"Ambulatory care staff in Temple, Austin and Waco have priority in receiving this H1N1 vaccine," according to Nelia Schrum, public affairs officer for the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Escort staff, those who take VA patients from place to place within the VA clinics and hospitals, are next in line for the immunizations, followed by lab staff, specialty care staff and inpatient care staff.
Vaccines for the veterans will come from the state's strategic stockpile, Schrum said.
The VA received an initial 300 doses for staff in the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System from the CDC last week.
Scott & White used the H1N1 vaccine it received to vaccinate high-risk groups of children on Thursday and will continue the vaccinations today - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m. in room A213 of the Conference Center, Building 26.
Scott & White pediatric patients eligible for the vaccine are 2 to 4 years of age, and ages 5 to 18 with chronic kidney disease, heart disease, sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma or other problems with the lungs, and those on long-term aspirin therapy for chronic conditions.
Vaccines are also being provided to Scott & White patient care staff at high risk of exposure.
Last week, Scott & White received a small amount of the state supply of H1N1 vaccine, which was used for health care providers.
King's Daughters Clinic has not received any H1N1 vaccine for patient use and has temporarily run out of seasonal flu vaccine. The clinic has set up a flu hotline, 298-2501, patients may use to check on the availability of flu vaccinations.
Bell County Public Health District received a small amount of H1N1 vaccine earlier this week. The initial shipment of vaccines wasn't adequate to meet the public demand. According to guidance from Department of State Health Services and because supplies are limited, the health district's first shipments will be used to protect those at highest risk of complications from the flu - pregnant women and children.
