The H1N1 “swine flu” virus is blamed for 353 American deaths and 5,514 hospitalizations. That, according to figures just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC officials say they do not expect any shortages of a vaccine due in October.

However, they recommend pregnant women, health care workers and young children (between the ages of 6 months and 18 years) be given priority in the event initial vaccine supplies become limited.

Other high-priority groups include children 5 to 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions and people who live with, or care for, babies too young (under 6 months) to receive the vaccination.