This program answers frequently asked questions about H1N1 (Swine) flu:
Still important to get H1N1 vaccine
January 6, 2010
HANCOCK – H1N1 vaccine is now in good supply and available to all community residents over the age of 6 months. Most local medical providers and all health department offices have vaccine on hand.
Health Department Medical Director Teresa Frankovich, M.D. encourages everyone to consider getting vaccinated. “There is concern that a third wave of H1N1 flu may occur this winter,” Frankovich said. “Flu shots are a very important way to limit the spread of flu.” One dose of vaccine is needed for people 10 years of age and older, but children under 10 years need two doses, about one month apart, to get good immunity.
“Many people suspect they may have had H1N1 flu this past fall but it is important to remember that many viruses cause fever and cough,” said Dr. Frankovich. “Unless an individual has had the special lab test that proves H1N1 infection (these are nose swabs that are sent out of the area for testing and are usually done only on hospitalized patients), the H1N1 vaccine is still recommended.”
“There is a lot of winter ahead of us and winter is traditionally peak flu season,” Dr. Frankovich said, “so please consider protecting yourself and your family, particularly those at risk of more serious disease, including infants and young children, those with chronic health concerns, pregnant women and individuals 65 years and over.” For good information on H1N1 flu, please go to: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or the health department website at www.wuphd.org , or call the health department office in your county.
H1N1 Vaccine Recall Update: December 29, 2009
A vaccine recall for certain lots of the H1N1 vaccine, FluMist, was issued on December 22, 2009. As with the previous recall earlier in December, this recall is not related to safety. Here is what you should know about the recall:
- This recall is for 13 batches of H1N1 vaccine in the nasal form
- Each of these batches passed all safety and effectiveness testing at the time it was released.
- As part of a strict monitoring process, vaccine manufacturers routinely test batches over time to make sure nothing has changed since manufacturing
- On these routine tests, it was found that some batches of vaccine had decreased in strength over time and were slightly lower in strength than they were on first testing
- There were no safety issues with these batches.
- The Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration have reviewed all of the information and agree that the very small decrease in strength of the vaccine is not expected to change the effectiveness of the vaccine.
- The vaccine is being recalled because even though the decrease is slight, it no longer meets the specifications
The most important thing to know is that vaccine from any of these batches is safe and there is no need to repeat the dose. Remember though, that all children under 10 years of age need two doses of vaccine for good immunity– so children under 10 years who received vaccine from one of these batches will still need the recommended booster dose about 4 weeks after the first dose.
Check the clinic schedule on this website to find out where you and your family can receive the H1N1 vaccination. Help your community fight the flu—get vaccinated!
What To Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
How do I know if I have the flu? You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
- fever*
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
For more information on flu symptoms and treatment, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm