H1N1 ("Swine Flu") FAQ
Q: Do I need to get the H1N1(Swine) Flu vaccine for my child?
We DO recommend getting the H1N1 vaccine for all children ages 6 months and older. Due to limited supply we are vaccinating high risk children first. This is not a new vaccine – just a new type of flu vaccine made specifically for the H1N1 flu virus.
Q: Should I give my child under 3 years the H1N1 Vaccine that has a small amount of preservative – Thimersol in the vaccine?
The only H1N1 vaccine the government has supplied to our office has a small amount of preservative (Thimersol) in it. This vaccine is approved for use in children and adults 6 months of age and older. We agree it is safe to use for all patients age 6 months and above. We want to offer you the supply we have now, it is your choice whether you want your child to receive the vaccine. We are seeing many active cases of H1N1 influenza in our community. It takes about 10 days for the vaccine to build up immunity in your body. We do think it is safe for your child to receive this small amount of preservative in this one vaccine (or two doses if your child is less than 10 years old). This is a personal choice you will need to make. We may receive future doses without the preservative, but we do not know if or when we will receive it. Please make sure to check our website and register your child for email alerts for the latest information.
Q: Do I need to get the Seasonal Flu vaccine for my child?
We DO recommend getting the Seasonal flu vaccine for all children ages 6 months and older.
Q: Does my child need to get BOTH vaccines?
Yes – if we have both in stock.
Q: Are the Seasonal and the H1N1 flu vaccines available in the injectible and the nasal mist form?
Yes – if we have both in stock.
Q: Can anyone receive the nasal mist form of the vaccines?
The nasal mist form is only recommended for healthy individuals ages 2 yrs to 49 years, without a history or asthma or wheezing, without contact with persons with a weakened immune system.
Q: Can both the Seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccines be given at the same time?
In some cases, they can. However, both forms of the nasal mist should not be given at the same time. They should be administered 30 days apart for the best protection.
Q: Can I give Tamiflu or Relenza to make the flu go away?
We rarely prescribe these medications as they have side effects and do not cure the flu. We only use these medications for high risk individuals.
Q: Does my child need the flu vaccine if they have already had the flu?
Yes. We recommend both vaccines even if the child has already had the flu because the virus is continually changing and mutating. Specifically, we recommend the H1N1 flu vaccine even if you believe your child has had this illness as the diagnosis is difficult to make.
For more information see CDC.GOV
