FAQ: Flu Vaccine
Is the vaccine safe? Ongoing clinical trials have shown this vaccine to be just as safe as the annual flu vaccine. It is produced in the same laboratories, under the same guidelines, and packaged in the same manner as the annual flu vaccine.
What are the potential side effects? The most common side effects are exactly like the annual flu vaccine, some redness and pain at the injection side and a generalized achy feeling for a few days.
What is the difference in the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine? The H1N1 vaccine is a monovalent vaccine directed solely at the H1N1 virus. The seasonal flu vaccine is a trivalent vaccine directed at three viruses determined by researchers to be the most likely culprits of the seasonal flu.
What if I am allergic to latex? The first batch of vaccine that will be available will be in multi-dose vials which contain latex. If you are allergic to latex, you MUST WAIT for the single dose vials to arrive (may take an additional month).
What if I am allergic to preservatives? The multi-dose vials contain preservatives (thimerosol). If you are allergic to preservatives or thimerosol, you MUST WAIT for the single dose vials to arrive (may take an additional month).
What if I am allergic to eggs? Because this vaccine is prepared in egg yolks, if you have an egg allergy, it is NOT RECOMMENDED that you receive the vaccine.
Can I get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine at the same time? Yes, if both are available. They must be given at two different sites. At UMMC, we have been administering the seasonal flu vaccine since late August as the CDC recommended giving it as soon as it arrived. We have almost depleted our annual allotment of seasonal flu vaccine and do not expect to receive any more.There appears to be ample supply of H1N1 vaccine on its way.
Can I receive the Flumist nasal spray vaccine? No. Flu mist is a live, attenuated vaccine. UMMC has requested the injectable form of the vaccine only.
What if I have already had the flu this year? We have had a significant amount of flu-like activity since August 1, 2009. Because our State Health Dept. was inundated with Flu tests, they stopped receiving samples for diagnostic purposes several weeks ago. Because in most cases we cannot be absolutely certain that the flu-like illness was, in fact, due to H1N1, the CDC recommends that we offer vaccine to these people.
What if I am currently taking Tamiflu or Relenza? If you are currently taking the anti-viral drugs Tamiflu or Relenza, it is recommended that you wait 48 hours after the last dose to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
What if I am pregnant? H1N1 infection appears to be especially virulent in pregnant women. If you are currently pregnant, please discuss the risks/benefits of the vaccine with your treating physician.
Who should receive the H1N1 vaccine? The current priority groups are as follows:
Healthcare workers
Pregnant Women
Students (through school, colleges, and universities)
Children 6 months-24 years old
Adults 25-64 who have conditions that put them at high risk for
complications of the flu such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes,
etc.
I have received several emails warning me not to take the H1N1 vaccine. Is this information valid? There has been widespread misinformation on the H1N1 vaccine. This is a safe vaccine and should be regarded in the same manner as the seasonal flu vaccine.
What about Guillian- Barré Syndrome? Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune polyneuropathy that can follow an infection or vaccination. Its incidence is about one case per 100,000 individuals per year worldwide. In 1976, the swine flu vaccine was suspected to have had an increased incidence of causing GBS. Since that time, seasonal flu vaccines including the H1N1 vaccine have not been clearly linked to GBS. Seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines carry warnings stating that there may be a slight risk if increased incidence of GBS but no more than 1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated.
When can I receive my H1N1 Vaccine? UMMC will be conducting a H1N1 Vaccine Blitz on Thursday October 29, 2009 from 7am-7pm. We will have stations set up in the former Pediatric Outpatient Area in the Batson Hospital and also in the Student/Employee Health Department. If you will be unable to get your vaccine that day, the vaccine will be available in the Department of Student/Employee Health during regular working hours while supplies last. We have been assured by Health Department officials that we will have enough vaccine available to treat anyone who wants it.
Is the vaccine one shot or two? For adults, only one dose is required. Children 6 months-10 years old must receive 2 shots to provide adequate immunity.
Speaking of children, where can my family and friends receive the vaccine? The Health Department is arranging for vaccines to be given in schools, daycares, pediatricians and primary care clinics, local Health Departments, and the usual retail outlets such as pharmacies.