Senator John Thune isn't holding out much hope that H1N1 vaccines will be widely available in South Dakota anytime soon. Thune says the government hasn't lived up to expectations in fighting the virus.

Federal health officials say Americans should now have an easier time getting an H1N1 vaccination with more than 22 million doses available and more on the way. But the government had earlier projected as many as 120 million doses would be available by the middle of this month and that deadline has already passed. Senator Thune says that shows the government can't stand-and-deliver when it comes to helping families fight the flu.

Production delays of the H1N1 vaccine have left people across the country waiting to get their shots.

"It seems to me, at least, it's perhaps another example of the federal government when it tries to do things, in particularly big things, has a really hard time accomplishing this in a way that's efficient," Thune said.

Thune says South Dakota is placed at a disadvantage right away when it comes to getting vaccines because states with the most people get first priority.

"If it's based upon population, South Dakota will be at the end of the line, which is unfortunate.  It seems to me there ought to be some element of where they consider vulnerable populations and high-risk populations," Thune said.

H1N1 has also hit Thune's own family.

"My youngest daughter was sent home from college last week.  She had all the symptoms and they just aren't messing around with it.  They're sending people home," Thune said.

Thune says President Obama's declaration of a nationwide H1N1 emergency should focus more attention on flu prevention and treatment, but that doesn't ensure vaccines will be fast-tracked to South Dakota.

"They continue to make the assertions that that's going to happen soon, but we will believe it when we see it," said Thune.

Thune has received a seasonal flu vaccine, but not H1N1. The same goes for Senator Tim Johnson.

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and her family have also received their season flu shot, but she does plan to get the H1N1 vaccine for herself and her young son, Zachary, as it becomes available.