HAMILTON CO., Ohio -- The first doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been administered to Hamilton County emergency personnel.
It offers them a line of defense against the potentially deadly virus.
The nasal mist vaccines are going to emergency personnel such as firefighters and paramedics.
The Blue Ash Fire Department started administering the mist to EMS workers Monday.
Blue Ash Fire Department paramedic, Kevin Murphy, says he always uses gloves as extra protection, when he treats patients inside the ambulance squad.
However, with concerns over the swine flu growing everyday, he wanted to be the first to get the H1N1 nasal flu mist vaccine.
"We get vaccinated for a couple of different things. I think with all the stuff going around with H1N1, it's very important. I'm glad I was one of the first to get it," Murphy said.
Firefighters and paramedics are the first to be offered the H1N1 flu vaccine in Hamilton County.
Blue Ash Fire Chief Rick Brown is encouraging his staff to get vaccinated, but the vaccination is not mandatory.
"People have different opinions about vaccinations in general. We're leaving it up to the employee. We encourage the flu shot. We encourage the H1N1 vaccine. We provide both at no cost to the employee," Chief Brown said.
The nasal mist is the first available vaccine in Hamilton County.
The assistant fire chief says some Blue Ash Emergency personnel say they will get vaccinated, but they prefer the shot over the nasal mist vaccine, which carries the live virus.
They will have to wait a few more weeks until the swine flu shot becomes available.
"I think it's real important that we get the opportunity to have the vaccine, especially when we're out in the community," explained Assistant Fire Chief Chris Theders. "If we're around people that are infected, it's just keeping us safe. Not only when we come back to the firehouse, the other employees safe, and our families when we go home."
