H1N1 Influenza:
Do I Need the Vaccine and Where Can I Get It?
Who Should Get Vaccinated Against 2009 H1N1 Influenza?
CDC recommends vaccination against both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza to prevent illness from influenza this year. The seasonal influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against 2009 H1N1 influenza. The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal influenza vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal influenza vaccine.
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, made recommendations on who should receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The ACIP considered several factors, including (1)current disease patterns, (2)populations most at-risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and death, (3)how much vaccine is expected to be available, and (4)the timing of vaccine availability.
The groups recommended to receive the vaccine include:
- Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because young infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
MORE INFORMATION
2009 H1N1 Flu Shot: Vaccine Information Statement (PDF)
2009 H1N1 Nasal Spray: Vaccine Information Statement (PDF)
2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun but initial supplies have been small. More doses are expected for shipment each week. We ask members of the public who want to receive this vaccine to be patient as this program expands and more vaccine becomes available. While we expect there will be enough vaccine available for everyone who wishes to receive it, the ACIP also made recommendations regarding which people within the groups listed above should receive the first available doses.
Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Seasonal Influenza
Where
to get the vaccine in Montana
