CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Clinic is doing its part to protect employees from the H1N1 virus.

Workers are among the first in the area to receive the vaccine as part of the hospital's prevention plan.

"I work with patients that are in immunocompromised states, people with cancer. It's really important for me to get it to take care of them, but also taking care of myself," said clinic employee Elizabeth Voynovich.

"This is the only thing out there now that gives you the ability to develop an immune response to the H1N1 virus. If you got the seasonal flu shot that's good, but you aren't protected against this virus with the vaccine," said employee Thomas Tallman.

The first shipment of the vaccine is for health care workers. Then as more shipments arrive, pregnant women and chronically ill patients are next. The general public will follow.

"It's like trying to finish a marathon instead of a sprint. We are going to need time to cover everyone," said employee Mandy Fisher.

In order to get the vaccine, patients must preregister on a government Web site.

Log on to H1N1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov, create a password, fill out the information and print a confirmation sheet for your doctor.