2009 H1N1 ("Swine Flu") Vaccination
Vaccine remains free of charge at Health Department clinics.
Local health care providers and some local pharmacies will be receiving H1N1 vaccine throughout December. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacy to see if H1N1 vaccine will be available to you from them. Charge for the vaccine may vary by provider.
NOTE:
- As of December 7, vaccination is open to both priority groups and to the general public who choose to receive it.
- Opening up vaccination to the general public does NOT mean we have more vaccine supply.
- Vaccination dates and times will depend upon availability of enough vaccine.
- You may not be able to register for your first choice of dates since supply is limited and registration will close when dates and times are filled.
Both medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to help staff H1N1 (Swine flu) mass vaccination clinics. If you would like to volunteer, visit www.healthdistrict.org/flufighters to see a complete list of available positions and sign up.
Questions and Answers about H1N1 (Swine flu) vaccine
When will H1N1 (Swine flu) vaccine be available?
H1N1 vaccine became available in limited supplies for Larimer County at the end of October and continues into December. The supply is expected to increase into December and beyond. Once the initial priority groups have been vaccinated, the supply will be open to anyone who wants to be vaccinated in Larimer County (opened December 7).
Will the seasonal flu shot protect me against H1N1 (Swine flu)?
No. The seasonal flu shot is not expected to provide protection against H1N1 influenza. You must get the H1N1 vaccine for protection against the H1N1 virus. Likewise, the H1N1 vaccine will not protect you against seasonal flu. Some people may be recommended to get both shots.
Who should get an H1N1 (Swine flu) flu shot?
It's especially important that certain priority groups get the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible. As of December 7, anyone who wants the vaccination can register to get it.
The priority groups for getting H1N1 flu shots include people most at risk of becoming seriously ill or being hospitalized from influenza or who might transmit the virus to someone at risk. They include pregnant women, people ages 6 months to 4 years old; those aged 5 years old to 64 years old with underlying health issues that make them at high risk for complications from the flu; household contacts or caregivers for children younger than 6 months old; and healthcare and emergency medical personnel.
For updates on current priority groups, click on the "who should get vaccine" tab on the left side of this page.
Why aren't people over age 65 among the initial priority groups for H1N1 (Swine flu) vaccine?
Current studies show that the H1N1 (Swine flu) virus infects people age 65 or older significantly less than younger age groups. It is thought that people in this age group might have developed some prior immunity to this strain of flu. However, if they do become ill, they are at high risk for complications, and should receive antiviral treatment.
Though people age 65 and older are not at high risk to get H1N1 flu, they still have the highest mortality rates for seasonal influenza and should get a seasonal flu shot. They should also consider an H1N1 vaccine after the priority groups have had a chance to be vaccinated.
How many shots are required for H1N1 (Swine flu) vaccination?
Persons 10 years of age and older require just one vaccine. Children younger than 10 will require two vaccines.
Can I get a seasonal flu shot and an H1N1 (Swine flu) flu shot at the same time?
You may get both vaccines on the same day. However, both vaccines may not be available from the same provider. For example, seasonal flu shots will not be available at the mass vaccination clinics being planned for Larimer County later this fall. In addition, seasonal flu is already available from many community providers. People are encouraged to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible this year.
More Q&A on Swine Flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm
Information on H1N1 vaccine and Thimerosal:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/thimerosal_qa.htm
Information on H1N1 vaccine and Guillain-Barré syndrome:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/gbs_qa.htm
Seasonal Flu Shots
Vaccination against seasonal flu continues to be important, especially for those over the age of 65. The supply of seasonal flu shots this year (2009) have been depleted in many clinics but are expected to be replenished in December and January. Health Department supplies are very limited. Check with The Health District of Northern Larimer County, local pharmacies, doctor's offices, RVNA and other providers to see if they have seasonal flu vaccine available. Visit www.immunizecolorado.com to find a flu shot provider near you.
