"I know, 'Let's be patient' is not a good message," he said. "We can't change the fact that the manufacturer has lagged behind projections."

Those projections had Colorado getting major doses of the H1N1 vaccine nearly a month ago. While the state has received 270,000 doses, the vaccine still has not been distributed to the broader population.

"You're going to start seeing clinics next week and all through November," he said. 

Some people who fall into high-risk categories have already received the vaccines. Still many more need them. Calonge estimates vaccines will be available to Colorado's general population in December.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will make those shots available at flu clinics. Other private medical companies will do the same. However, some outlets may charge for the vaccine. Something Calonge says his organization has urged companies not to do.

"The vaccine in the setting of a public health clinic will be free and that's been a requirement of the public health program... But private providers and retail outlets can charge an administrative fee if they wish," he explained. "We don't control how much they charge. But the real push to them is [not to charge because] we don't want cost to be a barrier. People who want it should be able to get it because it's a federal purchase."

Calonge says people who have already had H1N1 do not necessarily need to get vaccinated.

"The shot's not going to do you any benefit or harm," he said.

But he also urged people to err on the side of caution. Some, he says, may think they had the swine flu but might not have been exposed, making them still vulnerable to the virus.

One group, people age 65 and over, has what scientists have determined to be a natural immunity.

"People in that age group have circulating antibodies to H1N1. So they were exposed to a very similar flu probably around 1957. Because of that, they have this natural immunity," Calonge said.

If you'd like to find out when the health department will host a flu clinic in your area, log on to www.immunizecolorado.com or call 1-877-462-2911.



Calonge was the featured guest on Sunday's Your Show. Click here to watch his interview where he answered many of Your Questions.