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There are two new pH1N1 vaccines for protection against the pH1N1 influenza virus. One of the pH1N1 vaccines includes an adjuvant and the other does not (non-adjuvanted pH1N1 vaccine). The adjuvant is an ingredient that improves the body’s immune response to the vaccine while using fewer influenza virus parts. This allows for more vaccine to be made.
These vaccines do not protect against seasonal influenza virus, other viruses
or bacteria that cause colds or stomach illnesses. The pH1N1 vaccines are available
free to all residents of BC. These new vaccines have been approved by Health
Canada following review of all available safety data. They are not known to
cause any serious side effects. Their safety will be carefully monitored during
their use in Canada and internationally.
Most people have no immunity to the pH1N1 influenza virus. Some people are more at risk of becoming seriously ill from the pH1N1 influenza virus and should get the vaccine as soon as possible.
If you think that you may have had pH1N1 influenza but your illness was not confirmed by a lab you should get the pH1N1 vaccine. Those who have had lab-confirmed pH1N1 influenza do not need to get the vaccine because they will have developed natural immunity.
It is strongly recommended that the following people receive the pH1N1 vaccine:
All others are recommended to receive the pH1N1 vaccine:
Two types of vaccine are available. These give similar protection when used as recommended. The adjuvanted vaccine is recommended for most people. Some unadjuvanted vaccine will be used in the second half of November for healthy people aged 10 to 64 years, and this is also the vaccine recommended for pregnant women. Children 6 months to under 3 years of age should get two half-doses of adjuvanted vaccine, as should children aged 3 to 9 years with chronic medical conditions. The second dose should be given at least 21 days after the first. Healthy children aged 3 to 9 years should receive 1 half-dose of adjuvanted vaccine and may not need a second dose; parents should check back in 3-4 weeks for updated dosing recommendations. People aged 10 years and older need one dose of vaccine.
If you are or think you may be pregnant, inform your health care provider as this may affect which vaccine you receive. The non-adjuvanted vaccine is preferred for use in women at all stages of pregnancy, because this product is similar to seasonal vaccines which have been used in many pregnant women. Women in the first half of pregnancy, with underlying medical conditions should confer with their provider and receive the adjuvanted vaccine if the non-adjuvanted vaccine is not available. Women in the second half of their pregnancy should also receive adjuvanted vaccine if the non-adjuvanted vaccine is unavailable and pH1N1 influenza virus is circulating in the community.
Some people are about 5 to 10 times more at risk for becoming seriously ill or dying from pH1N1 influenza. These include:
The pH1N1 influenza virus affects younger people more seriously than it does
older people. Among those who have died, the average age is about 30 years younger
than the average age of dying from seasonal influenza virus.
The vaccine is the best way to protect against pH1N1 influenza infection. As well, when you get vaccinated, you help protect others. Early studies have shown that almost all adults given these vaccines developed antibodies at levels expected to give protection.
The vaccine cannot cause pH1N1 influenza because it does not contain a live virus. For more information see HealthLink BC File #12c: Influenza (Flu) Immunization: Myths and Facts.
Common reactions to the vaccine may include pain, redness and swelling where the shot was given. Some people may experience aching muscles or joints, fatigue, headache and fever. These reactions are more common with the adjuvanted vaccine. Most reactions to the vaccine will last only a few days.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is a rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. If this happens after leaving the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. This reaction can be treated. A severe form of this reaction occurs in 1 in a million people who get influenza vaccine. Milder forms have been observed in about 1 per 100,000 recipients of pH1N1 vaccine.
Report serious or unexpected reactions to your public health nurse or doctor.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a form of paralysis which is usually temporary and can occur after some common infections, may be associated with seasonal influenza vaccine in about 1 per million recipients. It is expected that a similar pattern may be seen for pH1N1 influenza vaccine.
| Acetaminophen or Tylenol® can be given for fever or soreness. ASA or Aspirin® should NOT be given to anyone under 20 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome. |
Speak with a public health nurse or doctor if you:
Children less than 6 months of age should not get the pH1N1 vaccine because influenza vaccines are not known to be effective in this age group
Pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza (also known as human swine influenza or human swine flu) is a respiratory disease of humans caused by type A influenza virus. This particular strain of virus started in swine, although it is now spread between people.
pH1N1 influenza virus spreads from person to person in the same way as seasonal influenza, which is mainly through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the virus. People may also become infected by touching objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. A person who gets pH1N1 influenza is at risk of other infections, including pneumonia (infection of the lungs). People who are 65 years of age and older --or those who have health conditions--should talk to their doctor about the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine which prevents an important cause of bacterial infection that can happen with influenza infection. For more information see HealthLink BC File #62b: Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine.
Effort is made to seek parental or guardian consent prior to immunization.
Children under the age of 19 who are able to understand the risks and benefits
may consent to or refuse immunizations, regardless of the parent’s or
guardian’s wishes. It is recommended that parents/guardians and their
minor children discuss immunizations beforehand, and ask the nurse or doctor
any questions.
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For more HealthLink BC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/index.stm or your local public health unit. Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request. |
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