A new Web site will give Southwest Washington residents the latest information on the H1N1 virus or swine flu.

Public health officials representing Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties and the Cowlitz Tribe have launched a region Web site at www.flunewsswwashington.org.

“The site is intended to provide residents with useful information that is easy to understand,” said Alan Melnick, health officer for Region IV. “For example, as our region receives H1N1 vaccine, this site will let people know where the vaccine is available and who can get it.”

Public health officials are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against seasonal flue now and against H1N1 when it becomes available. H1N1 vaccine is expected to become available in Southwest Washington in October. Because supplies may be limited, it will first be offered to those at highest risk of complications from H1N1.