IStock Photo 2080035 © Sean Warren

As of the end of October, 19,443,600 doses of H1N1 vaccine have been ordered by the CDC and 16,870,000 doses have shipped. The allocation of the vaccine—how much gets sent where—is based upon population. California has received the most—2,025,700 doses; Montana the least with 49,000 doses, the same amount shipped to the District of Columbia.

The CDC has acknowledged “a lag time between the allocation, ordering, and shipment of doses,” and that delay has contributed to long lines and trying waits for people wanting the H1N1 vaccine. Among the most frustrated and concerned are those with children in tow. The CDC has identified five initial target groups, including children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years.

Getting a shot in the arm as protection against a serious strain of flu is one of the classic “this is gonna hurt but it’s for your own good” scenarios. Anticipating children may resist what their parents regard as necessary, the government has issued a public service announcement about the vaccine aimed at children. Sid the Science Kid from the PBS series rocks out with his classmates to the lyrics, “Might hurt just a little bit—just a little bit—but it’s going to help a lot!” The word “ouch!” is uttered once, although no needles are in sight.

Perhaps the government needs to roll out an upbeat music video for adults. A poll conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health in mid-September revealed only 53% of adults surveyed were planning to get the vaccine for themselves—and 21% of those said they might change their mind. Of the respondents who said they were sure they wouldn’t get the H1N1 vaccine shot and those who were undecided or leaning against it, 16% cited a dislike of injections as their reason.

The odds an adult is afraid of needles and getting shots are 1 in 4.76. And this medical wariness could be symptomatic of the fairly common fear of doctors. The odds an adult is afraid of going to the doctor are 1 in 11.11. A 2001 Gallup poll found that both Needles and Getting Shots and Going to the Doctor made the list of top “American Fears,” with Snakes at #1, Getting Shots at #6 (21% of those polled, just above the 20% who fear Mice), and Going to the Doctor at #12 (9% of those polled, just above The Dark at 5%). Perhaps Sid the Science Kid could reassure those over the age of 18 still fearful of getting their medicine by injection.

As an alternative—for those who are eligible—there is the “live, attenuated” vaccine, better known as the nasal spray vaccine. (PDF)