A single dose of H1N1 vaccine should be enough to protect children 10 years of age and older, according to preliminary data from pediatric tests.

“Overall, this is very good news for the vaccination program both in regard to supply of vaccine as well as to its potential efficacy,” said Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.

According to researchers, 76 percent of children ages 10 through 17 displayed a “robust” immune response within 8 to 10 days of receiving a single 15 microgram dose of H1N1 vaccine. The results were 36 percent for children ages 3 through 9 years, and 25 percent for children under 3 — suggesting kids under 10 will require two separate doses 21 days apart.

“That is not unexpected, as this is the case with seasonal flu vaccines as well,” Fauci said.

Young children’s immune systems need the extra boost because they’re less developed and generally have less experience fighting viruses than those of older children and adults.

The pediatric studies also determined that the 15 microgram dose was just as effective as a 30 microgram dose in children — as it is in adults. Smaller dosing means vaccine will be available to more people.

The U.S. has ordered 195 million doses of H1N1 vaccine. The first 3.4 million doses are due to arrive in early October. Seasonal flu vaccine is already available.

Public health officials recommend people get both.

The 2009 H1N1 virus is blamed for the deaths of 47 children in the U.S. since it appeared in April.

Researchers report the H1N1 vaccine has caused no serious side-effects in adults or children — just sore arms and minor symptoms one would expect from a seasonal flu vaccine, which is made by the same companies using the same process.