The Department of Health (DH), Isle of Man, has released approximately 3000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine from its stockpile to address the impending shortage of flu vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine, Pandemrix, was stockpiled by the DH last year in response to the 2009 Influenza Pandemic. This vaccine provides protection against the H1N1 virus which is the commonest strain of the flu virus in circulation. Pandemrix does not provide protection against flu type B or flu A H3N2 but in general these are milder diseases. The Pandemrix vaccine is particularly appropriate for pregnant women since their increased risk of complication is confined to the H1N1 virus; there is also evidence that antenatal vaccination with Pandemrix provides protection for the newborn. Pandemrix will also be offered as protection to front-line healthcare workers who may need to care for patients with flu-like illness in an effort to interrupt any spread of infection, along with their following good hygiene practices. Front line healthcare workers should contact their Occupational Health Department direct. The seasonal flu vaccine will continue to be available to those aged 65 and over and those in ‘high risk’ groups. If there is a temporary shortage of seasonal flu vaccine, Pandemrix will then be used for these people too. - ENDS -