Prevention | H1N1/Swine Flu Information Center

Ø The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is made just the same way that seasonal flu vaccine is made. Like manufacturers do every year with seasonal flu vaccine, they simply made the vaccine to a different flu virus (H1N1). The manufacturers, processes, equipment, and formulations are all the same. Assuming H1N1 is still circulating next year, manufacturers will likely include the H1N1 strain in the regular 2010 seasonal flu vaccine.

Ø Since it is made just like seasonal flu vaccine, CDC and other vaccine experts expect the H1N1 vaccine to be as safe as seasonal flu vaccine. All H1N1 vaccine studies to date have shown the same and not raised any red flags.

Ø The H1N1 vaccine matches the currently circulating H1N1 flu virus well. New flu viruses often come in waves. Besides protecting from currently circulating virus, use of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine over the next few months could also protect from a possible third wave of H1N1 virus in the Spring, if such should occur.

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H1N1 Vaccine Supply and Distribution in West Virginia and the U.S.

Ø Quality and safety are taken very seriously and flu vaccine production takes time. We would all like to have the full supply of vaccine that will eventually be available to us now, but this is not possible.

Ø Vaccine is being used as it becomes available, enabling prevention of disease as soon as possible. The alternative – holding vaccine until there is enough for all -- might cause less frustration, but would result in more people getting sick unnecessarily.

Ø The first few months of vaccine will be targeted to those at increased risk of infection or its complications. This includes pregnant women, caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age, persons age 6 months to 24 years, people age 25 – 64 years with underlying health problems that increase the risk of complications and health care workers. There are good and different reasons to vaccinate each, so we don’t prioritize one group over another but work to reach all in time. Some individuals within groups do have multiple risk factors and are important to reach as soon as possible.

Ø It will take time before we have enough vaccine to vaccinate even the target group populations, for these groups make up about half of our state’s population.

Ø Over time, supply will increase across West Virginia, with more vaccine becoming available each month. By at least January 2010, if not before, anyone who would like to receive vaccine should be able to do so.

Ø In West Virginia, vaccine is initially being distributed through local health departments. They use vaccine as it becomes available for public clinics and in other ways to reach people at increased risk of H1N1 flu and its complications. These include working with selected private providers, schools, and other settings. Over time, vaccine will become more available through a wider variety of locations.

Ø H1N1 doses distributed by jurisdiction can be found under Data and Statistics.

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Initial vaccine supplies should be used for people at increased risk of getting H1N1 or its complications

Ø Doses will become available as they are produced. This means that we can’t vaccinate everyone we would like to at once. We won’t even be able to vaccinate all target group populations at once, for these groups make up about half of our state’s population. This will take patience and cooperation on everyone’s part.

Ø For the first weeks to months, vaccines will be administered to those at higher risk of flu or its complications. This includes:

· Pregnant women

· People who live with or care for infants less than six months of age

· Health care workers

· Individuals 6 months to 24 years old

· Individuals 25 to 64 years old who have underlying health issues

· Healthcare workers.

Ø Eventually, everyone who wants the vaccine will have opportunity to receive it. This is expected to be the case at least by January.

Ø It is recommended that you get vaccinated as soon as doses are available for your individual risk level. Those at high risk will receive vaccines before those who are at low risk. Sign up for updates to know when the vaccine becomes available for your risk level.

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