Parkville High School Headlines

Flu Vaccines – Seasonal and H1N1

What is the difference between Seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines?

This year the flu vaccine is coming in two parts.  The Seasonal part targets flu strains that were predicted to be circulating, based on information available in the winter of 2009.  In the spring of 2009, health officials discovered a new strain of flu, called H1N1 or “swine” flu.  A separate vaccine has now been developed for this new strain.

Will there be a flu vaccine that contains both strains (seasonal and H1N1)?

No, not this year.

Who should get the H1N1 flu vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the following groups get the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as it is available:

• Pregnant women
• Persons caring for children under 6 months of age
• Persons between the age of 6 months and 24 years
• Persons between the ages of 25 years and 64 years who have a chronic health condition (like diabetes) that places them at increased risk for complications of the flu
• Health care workers

Is H1N1 vaccine available?  Where will I be able to get my child an H1N1 shot?

As of the writing of this document (9/28/09), no H1N1 vaccine is yet available. The Department of Health expects to receive vaccine in mid to late October and will begin a series of public clinics once the vaccine arrives.  These clinics will be publicized through our schools and through the media. Many of the clinics will be held in Baltimore County school buildings. Some schools may have a clinic held at their school during the school day. Some private doctors have also registered to be a provider of this vaccine.  You can check with your child’s doctor to see if your child will be able to get the vaccine at his/her doctor’s office.