Vaccine will be available to people outside of the priority groups starting December 21.
H1N1 clinic locations are being determined by the local health departments based on supply and
delivery.
Two Flus; Two Vaccines
There are two flus, seasonal flu and H1N1 circulating this year. Protecting against the
two flus requires two vaccinations. Seasonal flu vaccine is widely available now. The H1N1
flu requires a separate vaccination.
The vaccine for one flu does not protect against the other flu. The two
flus pose different risks to different groups of people (see below). Most people should
plan to get both flu vaccinations.
It is recommended that certain at-risk groups be among the first to receive the H1N1
vaccine as it becomes available. These groups include:
Pregnant women
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk
of medical complications from influenza.
Vaccine Safety
The benefits of immunization outweigh the risks. All vaccines, including the H1N1 vaccine,
are held to the highest standard of safety and are continually monitored.
Each year, millions of Americans safely receive seasonal flu vaccines. The H1N1 vaccine is
made the same way as seasonal flu vaccine by the same companies that make seasonal flu
vaccine. The NIH has conducted clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine has been
tested and safely used in children, pregnant woman, and adults
The H1N1 vaccine can prevent serious illness or even death, particularly for those who
seem most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu. Not getting vaccinated could result in disease or
putting others, such as babies or people with cancer, at serious risk for illness. If you
care for a young baby it’s important that you get vaccinated so you can protect them.
