The H1N1 Vaccine

An H1N1 vaccine has been developed and is available in two varieties – intranasal and injectable.  Priority will be given to target groups deemed to be at increased risk for serious medical complications from the H1N1 virus, including the following:

  • Pregnant women
  • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
  • All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The intranasal form (sprayed into the nose) is already available in most parts of the country.  However, it’s important to know that this variety of the vaccine is not recommended for those affected by neuromuscular disease since it contains an attenuated (weakened) form of the H1N1 virus.

The nasal-spray flu vaccine is approved for use in health people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant. Although the nasal-spray flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness, people in the following categories should not be immunized with the nasal-spray flu vaccine:

  • People less than 2 years of age
  • People 50 years of age and over
  • People with a medical condition that places them at high risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease; people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure; or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system
  • Children under five years old with a history of recurrent wheezing
  • Children or adolescents receiving aspirin
  • People with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine
  • Pregnant women
  • People who have a severe allergy to chicken, eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components

An injectable form of the vaccine will be available in mid-October.  MDA is closely monitoring these vaccine distribution plans.  We’ll post updates as new information becomes available from the CDC.  Of course until the injectable H1N1 vaccine is available, there are things all of us can do to stay healthy.  See Tips for Limiting the Spread of Germs and Preventing Infection.
Additional information about the H1N1 vaccine can also be obtained through the CDC’s 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Q & A report.

The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to provide protection against H1N1, so the CDC suggests that anyone for whom the seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended obtain the inoculation.  Of course you should check with your doctor before obtaining any vaccine, especially if you’re affected by myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, or taking immune suppressing medications such as corticosteroids.  If your current health coverage does not include seasonal flu vaccines as a preventative health benefit, MDA’s Flu Shot Program can help.