H1N1 Flu Vaccine
Walk-in vaccinations now available
Mon-Sat 9am to 9pm, Sun 9am to 5pm
This season, vaccines to protect against the H1N1 virus (sometimes called “swine flu”) have been produced. Like seasonal flu vaccines, there are two kinds of H1N1 vaccines: a "flu shot" that is given with a needle, usually in the arm; and a nasal spray flu vaccine. The same manufacturers who produce seasonal flu vaccines are producing the vaccines against the pandemic H1N1 virus in the same way that the seasonal vaccines are made. Supplies of the vaccines to protect against the H1N1 virus are increasing and Newhard Pharmacy is now offering daily vaccination clinics for anyone who would like to be vaccinated. This vaccine is the best way to protect you and your family against the H1N1 pandemic virus.
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 H1N1 flu shot are the same as for seasonal flu shots. The 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. The same manufacturers who produce seasonal flu shots are producing H1N1 flu shots for use in the United States this season. The H1N1 flu shot is being made in the same way that the seasonal flu shot is made.
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 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. The nasal spray vaccine for use in the United States is being made by MedImmune, the same company that makes the seasonal nasal spray vaccine called “FluMist®.” The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is being made in the same way as the seasonal nasal spray vaccine.
When vaccine to protect against H1N1 first became available, supplies were limited. For this reason, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that people at highest risk for complications from this virus, or those caring for high risk individuals who cannot receive vaccination, receive the vaccine first. These target groups included pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, anyone 6 months through 24 years of age, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age at higher risk for H1N1 influenza because of certain chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems.
Now that the demand for vaccine for these target groups had been met at the local level, the CDC recommends programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. As the vaccine supply continues to increase the CDC is now encouraging those age 65 and older to also get vaccinated depending on local supply.
The same side effects typically associated with the seasonal flu shot and the seasonal nasal spray vaccine are expected with the H1N1 flu shot and H1N1 nasal spray vaccine.
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
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
Medicare - free
Without insurance - $20.00 per shot
For more information on the H1N1 virus, H1N1 vaccine, and possible side effects please give us a call today at: 610-262-6721
You may also visit the CDC's H1N1 Flu page for up to the minute news and additional details.