JACKSON - The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) announces the availability of both the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) injectable and nasal mist vaccine to the general public. Both the injectable vaccine and the nasal mist vaccine are free at all county health departments. Some private providers and pharmacies also have the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine available.

Swine flu antiviral medications are available free of charge for uninsured and underinsured Mississippians who have been diagnosed with swine flu. These antivirals will only be available through a prescription from a medical doctor.

In order to receive these free medications, the patient must bring a prescription for the medication and a signed document from their healthcare provider indicating to which high risk group the patient belongs. The healthcare provider will refer patients who qualify to participating pharmacies.

For additional protection against both seasonal and swine flu, Dr. Mary Currier recommends all Mississippians continue using basic prevention methods including washing your hands frequently or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, or coughing into a tissue followed by hand washing, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. If you are ill, stay home until you are well, unless you need to see a doctor, in which case call first to prevent possible transmission in the doctor's waiting area.

For more information on swine flu or the availability of free antiviral medications, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com or call the toll-free MSDH flu hotline at 1-877-222-9FLU. The hotline hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.