The H1N1 flu virus has officially become a killer in South Dakota.  State health officials say the first victim of H1N1 was a resident of Shannon County, who was in their 40's and also had an underlying health condition.

Since the beginning of this year's flu season, South Dakota has reported 191confirmed cases of H1N1 and 25 hospitalizations. And just as the first death was being reported, state health officials ordered the first batch of the H1N1 vaccine, which should arrive next week.

When the first batch of the H1N1 vaccine arrives in Pierre next week, about 5,000 doses will be distributed first to hospitals.

”We have ordered them and are anticipating receiving them next week and then turning around and shipping them out as soon as they come in," Colleen Winter with the State Health Department said.

And the state is telling health care workers to get protection first.

“Health care workers are at high risk for contracting the viruses because they're in frequent contact with infected individuals,” Winter said.

The initial shipment will be the nasal spray vaccine form only, which comes with restrictions on who can be vaccinated.

“Those individuals receiving the live vaccine have to be between the ages of 2 years and 49 years. It's not recommended for pregnant women,” Winter said.

The FluMist H1N1 vaccine is also not recommended for anyone with underlying medical conditions.

As more doses become available and are shipped in the following weeks, the shot form of the vaccine will target other priority groups like pregnant women, young children, parents and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months and children with chronic health conditions.

“It could be at your private provider. Your private physician’s office. It could be at your community health clinics, at community based clinics.  There will be many opportunities to receive the vaccine,” Winter said.

Federal health officials expect 186 million doses of H1N1 vaccine in the United States by January 2010, a total well above the number of doses ever given during any normal flu season. 

The South Dakota Department of Health will soon begin listing flu clinic sites.