Protection Against 2009 H1N1 To Be Included in 2010-2011 Seasonal Flu Vaccine -- February 22, 2010
A key U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Committee recommended today that protection against the 2009 H1N1 virus, which was first identified last April, be included in the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine starting this fall. That means that, barring some unforeseen circumstance, this fall, most Americans will be able to return to the traditional routine of having one flu vaccine to protect them against the major circulating flu viruses. As is always the case with seasonal vaccine, younger children who have never had a seasonal vaccine will still need two doses.

Today’s recommendation to include protection against the 2009 H1N1 flu strain in next season’s flu vaccine was made by the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. The committee’s recommendations typically guide vaccine manufacturers in preparing each season’s flu vaccines. The World Health Organization has made the same recommendation.

This recommendation will go into effect for next fall’s flu season.  In the meantime, you can still protect yourself against the H1N1 flu by getting your H1N1 vaccine now. Supplies are still available and getting immunized now can protect you against H1N1 while it continues to circulate. H1N1 has led to nearly 260,000 hospitalizations and approximately 12,000 deaths in the United States.

Who Should Receive the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine? -- October 1, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons between 6 months and 24 years, and people 25 through 64 who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

We do not expect that there will be a shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, but availability and demand can be unpredictable. There is some possibility that initially the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. Based on the CDC's estimated vaccine production and shipment capabilities, the initial shipment to the city and county health departments will cover approximately 10 percent of our population and then weekly shipments of approximately 5 percent of our population. At this rate, it will take approximately 18 weeks (end of February) to have on hand enough vaccine for every person.

The Committee recognized the need to assess supply and demand issues at the local level. The Committee further recommended that once the demand for vaccine for these target groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone 25 through 64. Current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over 65.

H1N1 Vaccine Update -- September 17, 2009
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on September 15, 2009 that it has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks.

The vaccines are made by CSL Limited, MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and Sanofi Pasteur Inc. All four firms manufacture the H1N1 vaccines using the same processes, which have a long record of producing safe seasonal influenza vaccines.

Based on preliminary data from adults participating in multiple clinical studies, the 2009 H1N1 vaccines induce a robust immune response in most healthy adults 8 to 10 days after a single dose, as occurs with the seasonal influenza vaccine.

In the ongoing clinical studies, the vaccines have been well tolerated. Potential side effects of the H1N1 vaccines are expected to be similar to those of seasonal flu vaccines.

For the injected vaccine, the most common side effect is soreness at the injection site. Other side effects may include mild fever, body aches, and fatigue for a few days after the inoculation. For the nasal spray vaccine, the most common side effects include runny nose or nasal congestion for all ages, sore throats in adults, and -- in children 2 to 6 -- fever.

Seasonal Flu Shot Information
An annual vaccine is a reliable prevention against severe flu viruses. The best time to get a flu shot is in October or November. But because the flu season typically peaks between January and March, vaccination in December or even later can be beneficial in most years.

Each BarnesCare location is prepared to provide the seasonal flu vaccine beginning October 1, 2009. No appointment is necessary. A BarnesCare nurse is also available to come directly to your company to administer seasonal flu vaccines to your employees.

The BarnesCare seasonal flu shot program is for adults 18 and older. All scheduled on-site dates are subject to change or cancellation based on vaccine availability and the Centers for Disease Control distribution guidelines.