H1N1 Vaccine Update

With the start of the New Year, talk of the H1N1 epidemic has been replaced with discussions of diets, exercise, and New Year's resolutions. However, the H1N1 virus continues to circulate in the U.S and overseas. In fact, in a December 22nd press release by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the director of prevention for the CDC stated that "everything [they are] seeing in terms of the flu strands is the H1N1 virus and so it's not gone at all."

When the virus grabbed headlines last year, there was no vaccine. It was quickly created; however, the demands for it were so high that many could not access it. The CDC has been continually working to address the supply and demand concerns, and this vaccine is much more readily available to the general public, including those individuals outside the groups initially targeted as "high-risk." January 10-16 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a "national observance…established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond" (www.flu.gov). This is a great time for those persons interested in getting the vaccine to find out more about it! A list of frequently asked questions regarding the H1N1 vaccine is provided below.

How do I find out where I can get the vaccine?

You may wish to speak with your physician about ways to get the vaccine. Additionally, www.flu.gov offers a resource that lets you find vaccine locations near you. You can enter your city and state or zip code to find the closest shots near you. Available at: http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/locator.html

Does getting the seasonal flu vaccine protect me from H1N1?

The seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect you against the H1N1 influenza virus. However, you can get both shots at the same time if they’re available. For more information regarding the seasonal virus, you can visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

How many doses are required?

One dose is required for individuals 10 years of age or older. Two doses are recommended for children 6 months to 9 years of age.

Who should NOT get the flu vaccine?

• People who allergic to chicken eggs
• Persons who've had a bad reaction to a flu vaccine in the past.
• People who developed Guillian-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving a flu vaccine.
• Children younger than 6 months of age
• Persons who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever.

There are many other questions regarding both the seasonal vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine that can be answered at the website of the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) or at www.flu.gov.