H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information

Vaccines for flu (H1N1 or seasonal flu) can be given either by injection (shot) or by nasal spray (LAIV, or live attenuated influenza vaccine). The injection method, which is based on killed viruses, is approved for anyone over six months old. The nasal spray, which is based on viruses that can't grow at human body temperature, is only approved for: healthy non-pregnant persons ages 2 to 49 who do not have close contact with severely immuno-compromised persons who need protective isolation.

It is effective to receive both H1N1 flu vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine at the same visit, but you should not receive LAIV versions of both vaccines at the same visit. Any other combination is approved.

CHILDREN AND H1N1 FLU VACCINE

Children shed more influenza virus than adults do, so children may disproportionately spread influenza in the community. Children age 9 and under should get two doses of H1N1 vaccine (at least 21 days apart, and preferably at least 28 days apart), while people age 10 and older need only one dose. The sooner a young child receives their first dose, the sooner they can get their second dose. Use of the nasal spray rather than injection can reduce the stress of immunization for child, family, and provider. Infants under 6 months old have the highest hospitalization rates from H1N1 flu, but are too young to receive flu vaccine.

TARGET GROUPS

Although all Santa Cruz County residents are now eligible for vaccine, it is particularly important for the following target groups to be vaccinated:

• Anyone ages 6 months to 24 years.

• Pregnant women.

• Anyone who lives with or provides care for infants under 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers).

• Health care workers and emergency medical personnel.

• Anyone ages 25 through 64 with certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications (asthma, immunosuppression, diabetes, or heart or lung disease).

The H1N1 Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV, the nasal spray) is only approved for non-pregnant people, ages 2-49, who do not have underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza complications.

If you have questions about H1N1 flu vaccine, call 454-4343 (at the end of the message, during business hours, you will be able to speak to a public health nurse).