***OMG!!!! University of Hawaii Athletes Blindsided and Given Swine Flu Vaccine***

University of Hawaii athletes were vaccinated with the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine yesterday as part of a state effort to encourage other young people to get the vaccine.

"They just grabbed me in the student athletic center," said junior and football linebacker Aaron Rink, 22, who was treated to a dose of nasal spray vaccine.

Some Rainbow Wahine softball team members showed up for vaccinations at the Stan Sheriff Center, saying their coach had called them.

The H1N1 virus targets young people, but 19- to 24-year-olds -- a priority group for the vaccine -- have been slow to respond, said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist.

They have received only 3.84 percent of the vaccine available to date, a total of 3,518 doses.

Dr. Andrew Nichols, UH-Manoa head team physician and interim director of University Health Services, said many students had left the campus for the holidays before the vaccine arrived.

However, he said the school has several hundred doses now and is trying to get it to as many students as possible before they leave for winter vacation.

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