Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) hosted an Influenza Summit via the web on Tuesday morning.

The goal was to bring local, tribal and state government and health officials together to discuss and ask questions regarding influenza planning and response activities.

"It is important that we are working together to help reduce the impact of the flu on our communities this season," said Schweitzer. "Whether it is the state communicating with the federal government about the H1N1 vaccination or local health officials with communities about hand washing and staying home when you're sick - we can all do our part."

The summit focused on the status of delivery for the H1N1 vaccine and the target populations for that vaccine. Montana has so far received almost 50,000 doses of vaccine in the state, and more than half have been administered to people in key target groups. 

Health officials say the target groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include: pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age; health care and emergency medical services personnel; persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age; and people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for complications from H1N1 influenza because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

State officials say that as additional vaccine becomes available some additional groups should also receive 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine: Healthy adults aged 25 through 64 years; and all adults 65 years and older.

DPHHS officials recommend getting both the seasonal and the H1N1 vaccines as soon as supply becomes available.