Honolulu’s first responders began receiving the swine flu vaccine today in special clinics set up at three hospitals and two fire stations.

Hawaiçi has been allocated 14,400 doses of the new vaccine — all of the nasal variety — for its first shipment, which arrived last week.
First to receive the vaccine are the first responders.
Linda Rosen, state Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention system branch chief, said she hopes to give out more than 1,000 nasal doses in all during the three-day effort that began today.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann came by the Waikïkï station yesterday to offer his support to the firefighters, who arrived in crews from various stations. He said he wanted to tell the firefighters that he was proud of them for stepping up and taking the swine flu vaccine.
“This is very important in launching the H1N1 vaccine,” Hannemann said. “Our family of first responders are sending a message that it’s important to be vaccinated. Now they’ll be able to perform their responsibility and be protected from the threat of the H1N1 virus.”
Nasal spray doses for emergency responders are also being delivered at The Queen’s Medical Center, Castle Medical Center, the Hawaiçi Medical Center West and the Mililani Mauka fire station. The special clinics for first responders run through Monday.