Vaccine Information Update

THE VACCINE SUPPLY:

  • H1N1 vaccine supply is more plentiful now.
  • Children 6 months through 9 years of age will need 2 doses of H1N1 vaccine (either nasal mist or the shot) given atleast 28 days apart.

ABOUT THE VACCINES:

H1N1 Flu Shot: This is an inactivated (killed virus) vaccine.  This vaccine is given by injection (a ‘shot’). People over 6 months of age can take this vaccine.  People who have severe allergies to eggs or any component of the vaccine should not take this form of the vaccine. This form of the vaccine can be given at the same time or anytime before or after a live virus vaccine. 

H1N1 Flu Mist (live virus/nasal mist vaccine): Because this is a live virus vaccine, not everyone can take this vaccine. This form of the H1N1 vaccine can be given only to people who are healthy, not pregnant, and are 2 through 49 years-of-age.  

H1N1 live virus vaccine (H1N1 FLU MIST) should not be given to the following:

  • children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older    
  • pregnant women
  • anyone with a weakened immune system                   
  • anyone with a long-term health problem such as heart, kidney, liver or lung disease 
  • anyone with a metabolic disease such as diabetes
  • anyone with asthma - anemia and other blood disorders                         
  • anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems
  • anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit)             
  • children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment

 

Other things you need to know about the live virus H1N1 Flu Mist vaccine:

  • H1N1 and seasonal flu mists cannot be given at the same time.
  •  There must be a minimum of 28 days between H1N1 Flu Mist (a live virus vaccine) and any other live virus vaccine (seasonal Flu Mist, MMR or Varicella vaccine).
  • You cannot have H1N1 Flu Mist if have taken antiviral medication in the past 48 hours and you should not take antiviral medication during the 2 weeks after getting the H1N1 Flu Mist. Antiviral medication will interfere with the live virus vaccine and you will not build immunity from the vaccine.
     

For more information on H1N1 vaccination, please visit:

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