Frequently Asked Questions - H1N1 Vaccine
- Who is recommended to get the H1N1 vaccine?
- Will UNH Health Services distribute the H1N1 vaccine?
- Who is currently able to receive the vaccine available through the State of New Hampshrie Department of Health and Human Services?
- Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
- Is there anyone who shouldn't be vaccinated?
- What kinds of the H1N1 vaccine are available?
- What are the possible side effects of the H1N1 vaccine?
- After receiving the vaccine, when will I be protected against the 2009 H1N1 virus?
- Additional Resources on the Vaccine.
Who is recommended to get the H1N1 vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the 2009 H1N1 vaccine for the following 5 target groups:
- Pregnant Women
- Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age (e.g. parents, siblings and daycare providers)
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
- Persons from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications
Once providers meet the demand for vaccine among persons in these initial target groups, vaccination is recommended for all persons 25 through 64 years of age. Current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, the vaccine will be available to people 65 or older.
Will UNH Health Services distribute the H1N1 Vaccine?
UNH Health Services has registered as a provider to administer the vaccine to the UNH community (students, faculty and staff) and has been providing vaccine to specific group based on guidelines for distribution and availability determined the State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Now that the vaccine is widely available, vaccine clinics are being run by Strafford County and we will be listing these clinics on our web site as they are scheduled.
Who is currently able to receive the vaccine available through the state of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services?
As of December 17, 2009
The State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is now making the H1N1 vaccine available to the general public.
Based on the current H1N1 vaccine allocation to the State of New Hampshire and New Hampshire’s Vaccine Distribution Plan, the following people are eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine:
- Health Care workers and EMS with direct patient contact
- Ages 5 through 24 with underlying medical conditions
- Pregnant women (provided by primary health care provider)
- All children from 6 months to 4 years of age (provided by primary health care provider)
- Persons caring for or living with infants less than 6 months old (including partners of pregnant women)
- Individuals 24 years or age younger
Additional population groups will be added to this list as more vaccine comes into the state.
Please note: The State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that pregnant women and young children receive the H1N1 vaccine through their primary health care provider. Health Services will not be providing vaccine to these groups.
Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
Yes, the H1N1 vaccine has been determined to be safe by the CDC.
Is there anyone who shouldn't be vaccinated?
There are some people who should not get any flu vaccine without first consulting a health care provider. These include:
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influeza vaccination
- People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously
- Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
- People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
If you have a mild cold or other illness there is usually no need to wait to receive the vaccine.
What kinds of the H1N1 vaccine are available?
There are two kinds of 2009 H1N1 vaccines being produced:
A 2009 H1N1 "Flu Shot" — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The indications for who can get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot are the same as for seasonal flu shots. The H1N1 flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women.
More information on the H1N1 injectable vaccine
The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine"). The indications for who can get the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine are the same as for seasonal nasal spray vaccine. LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
More information on the nasal mist vaccine
What are the possible side effects of the H1N1 vaccine?
The same side effects typically associated with the seasonal flu shot and the seasonal nasal spray vaccine are expected with the 2009 H1N1 flu shot and 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine. These are:
The Flu Shot. The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever (low grade)
- Aches
- General Malaise
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot, are usually mild, and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.
The Nasal Spray. The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely.)
In children, side effects from LAIV can include:
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Muscle Aches
- Fever
In adults, side effects from LAIV can include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
After receiving the vaccine, when will I be protected against the 2009 H1N1 virus?
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection will develop in the body.
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine will not protect against seasonal influenza viruses.
Additional Resources on the Vaccine
More information on the nasal mist vaccine
More information on the H1N1 injectable vaccine
