A strike in a factory in France is holding up the shipment of 200,000 H1N1 flu vaccines, Costa Rican health officials said Thursday.

The vaccines, which were originally expected in November, are now scheduled to arrive on Jan. 23, according to Health Minister María Luisa Avila. She said the strike began Dec. 15.

Meanwhile two more Costa Ricans died of causes related to the H1N1 flu, and health officials are investigating the presence of the virus in three additional fatalities. In total, the Health Ministry is reporting 1,847 confirmed cases and 49 deaths, since the first cases surfaced in May.

Once the vaccines arrive, they will be distributed to vulnerable populations through local health centers or EBAIS clinics. Medical personnel, pregnant women and the chronically ill will receive top priority.

Foreigners who do not subscribe to the public health system, but exhibit signs of risk, can present a physician's note to a local EBAIS center to petition for a vaccine.

Avila said on Thursday that “at-risk populations are obligated to be vaccinated”, but quickly followed that comment with the fact that this first round “will show a higher demand than there are doses.”

Avila has petitioned for 1.6 million more doses of the French-manufactured Panenza through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), but does not know whether her request will be filled, at least in time for a projected second wave of the pandemic.

Though the vaccines will be distributed for free in Costa Rica, each costs $7.50 and are given via injection.