Shipments of the H1N1 flu vaccine have been delayed nationwide and the immunization will be offered in Alexandria as adequate doses become readily accessible, city officials announced this week.

The Alexandria Health Department will make H1N1 flu vaccinations available through a variety of locations, including schools, the health department and, eventually, mass clinics that will be open to the public.

A tentative schedule exists on the Alexandria City Public Schools website detailing when free vaccines will be available to certain grades and schools, with Douglas MacArthur, Matthew Maury, Charles Barrett and George Mason elementary schools to begin next Wednesday.

Only the injectable form of the vaccine will be offered in schools, according to the city government. If parents wish for their children to receive the nasal spray form of the vaccine, they can contact their health care provider or bring their child to the health department to receive it.