The supply of A/H1N1 flu vaccine has reached 136 million doses in the United States, a high-ranking official from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday.

"As of today, 136 million doses of H1N1 vaccine are available for ordering by the states," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said at an afternoon press conference in Atlanta.

"There are ample supplies of H1N1 vaccine in most of the country," she said. "The vaccine should be easily available pretty much anywhere you live."

During the past three months, limited supply of vaccine caused the CDC to advise state and local health officials to reserve doses for the targeted group, which includes pregnant women, children and young adults, health-care workers and people with asthma and certain other health problems.

"We believe there are vaccines all around the country right now," Schuchat told reporters, adding that most states are opening up vaccination to anyone who wants it.

The US government ordered 251 million doses of A/H1N1 flu vaccine, and most states now offer the vaccine to people of all ages. While the shots and nasal sprays are paid for by the US government, clinics can charge a fee around US$20 to administer them.

With 136 million doses now available, Schuchat advised Americans who have not yet been vaccinated to get the vaccine around the country.

"Whether it's at your doctor's office, through the health department, through the clinics that are being arranged for the community, school clinics that are being held at pharmacies and retail centers, more places and more providers are offering vaccines, making it even easier for those of you who want to be vaccinated to protect yourself and your families to be able to do that," she promised.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2010)