NM Opens H1N1 Vaccinations To All

By KRWG News

New Mexico – The state has opened up swine flu vaccinations to all New Mexicans, not just people in high-risk groups.

The state says health providers have enough vaccine for more New Mexicans.

Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil says the Department of Health will continue to consider people in high-risk groups the top priority, but also will provide vaccine to as many people as possible.

The agency has distributed about 554,000 doses to providers and public health offices statewide.

Vaccine arrives in small shipments weekly, and the department expects to have received close to 1 million doses by the end of January.

New Mexico has had 47 deaths and 957 hospitalizations related to the swine flu since it was first confirmed in the state in April.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.