The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has set up a toll-free number for state residents to call and get information about the H1N1 flu.

The hotline will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-877-FLU-4141 (1-877-358-4141). Callers can get information on topics ranging from symptoms and basic medical advice to availability of the new H1N1 vaccine.

The state health department encourages Missourians to get the vaccine as it becomes available. Pregnant women, children and young adults are most at risk for contracting the H1N1 flu, so they’ll be given priority to receive the vaccine.

Studies show that older people are less at risk because they appear to have some degree of resistance to the virus.

Missouri received its first shipment of aerosol mist vaccine early this month. Additional shipments of the mist and the injectible form began arriving from manufacturers this week.

The mist can be used by healthy children and adults, ages 2 through 49. Because it contains live virus, the mist is not appropriate for pregnant women, children under 2 or anyone with underlying health conditions such as asthma. Those groups should get the H1N1 flu shot.