July 9, 2009 HHS: H1N1 flu shots may begin in October Play video

(NECN: Washington) - "Science must lead the way," this morning said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius during a H1N1 (swine) flu summit being held by the federal government.

"The summit is not about raising alarms...it's about being prepared...this is a serious virus," said Sebelius.

The H1N1 virus has been identified in more than 100 countries around the world. The CDC estimates that at least one million people across the U.S. have been affected by the virus.

The Obama administration says vaccinations against swine flu are likely and probably will begin in mid-October, assuming soon-to-start studies go well. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says no final decision has been made. But she says first in line for shots likely will be school-age children, young adults with conditions such as asthma, pregnant women and health workers.

Studies of the brand-new vaccine are set to start in early August, and the government will make its final decision once results are available.