Come on, everybody, let’s do a round of shots! It’s that special time of year again: flu vaccine season. And now there are two instead of one to contend with — thanks, H1N1.
Understandably, there’s a little confusion on the subject. Last week’s delay in shipments of the vaccine for the H1N1 virus, better known as swine flu, combined with rumor-fueled fears about the vaccine’s safety and questions about its intake method (it can be injected or inhaled), have many people wondering what to do and how to go about doing it.
We spoke to representatives from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York City Health Department to find out what you need to know.
Who is most at risk for the H1N1 flu?
The NYC Health Department recommends the vaccine for pregnant women, anyone from 6 months to 24 years old, and people ages 25 to 65 who have underlying health conditions.
If I get the H1N1 vaccine, do I need to get the regular flu vaccine too?
You need to get both.
Should I be worried about getting the H1N1 vaccine because it’s new?
The H1N1 vaccine is the same thing as a seasonal flu vaccine. It has all the same ingredients, except that particular strain of flu is different. It has gone through the same trials as any seasonal flu vaccine.
What are the side effects of the H1N1 vaccine?
Side effects for both the H1N1 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine are considered mild. You might have a sore arm or a red mark. Sometimes people report a kind of mild, low-grade fever.
Which kind of vaccine, inhaled or injected, is best for me?
The nasal spray is not recommended for pregnant women or people with underlying conditions. Otherwise, it just comes down to a personal preference.
Is it true that you get the flu when you get the flu vaccine?
No. You might get some mild symptoms, but you don’t get a full-blown case of flu.
Can I get both vaccines on the same day?
Yes, you can get one in one arm and one in the other.
When will the H1N1 vaccine be available?
The H1N1 vaccine is available now. New York started to receive the flu mist vaccine last week, and it will get the first shipments of the injectable vaccine this week. It’s available at more than 200 providers now. The city should have 1.2 million doses by the end of this month.
How much will it cost?
The H1N1 vaccine is free because it’s being provided by the federal government. If people go to their primary care physician, the office may charge an administrative fee, $5 to $15 or so.
Will my primary care physician definitely have it?
What people should do is call their doctor and ask if they have the H1N1 vaccine. If they say no, ask specifically: Have you ordered it or are you going to order it? It’s completely up to the provider, so if the answer is no, people need to find another way.
Where else can I get it?
Duane Reade, Walgreens and some other drugstore chains will have the vaccine, for a fee — probably $25 or $30. The city has a vaccine locator at nyc.gov/flu, where people can click on which borough they live in and type in their ZIP code. The site contains information for the seasonal flu vaccine now, and the city should be updating it with H1N1 vaccine toward the end of this month or the beginning of November. There’s also a mass H1N1 vaccination program taking place in schools. There will be consent forms sent to parents.
When do I need to get the vaccine?
There’s no way to predict when the flu in general, or H1N1 specifically, will come back. Flu season typically peaks between December and March. People need to realize that getting vaccinated is important, but there will be ample amounts of the vaccine available.