Updated 10/21/2009

Please take a look at the following for answers to questions we are most frequently asked about seasonal flu.

Should I get the seasonal flu vaccine? 
Yes, however, as of October 2009, there has been a temporary shortage of the vaccine. This shortage is due to an increased public demand for the vaccine and a slow down in the manufacturing process because some of the same manufacturers are also producing the H1N1 vaccine. The pandemic H1N1 influenza strain is the predominant virus that is currently circulating in the community, and not the seasonal flu virus. Santa Clara County Health Officer, Marty Fenstersheib, MD, would like to reassure county residents that the delay in receiving seasonal flu vaccine should not have a significant impact on the health of our community.

Is it safe? 
Yes, the seasonal flu vaccine is safe and effective, but there are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs;
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination;
• People who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine;
• Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and;
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated).

Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu? 
The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the 2009 H1N1 flu.

Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time? 
The seasonal flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot can be given at the same time as long as the shots are given at different locations on your arm. However, the nasal seasonal flu vaccine (flu mist) and the nasal H1N1 vaccine can not be given at the same time. It’s important to remember that the usual seasonal influenza viruses are expected to cause illness starting this fall. The seasonal vaccine is available now - and the sooner you get it, the sooner you’ll be protected against seasonal flu.

Who is recommended to get the H1N1 vaccine once it arrives? 
H1N1 is making younger, healthier people sick - ages 5 years to 24 years. They have made up most of the H1N1 cases so they are an important group to get the H1N1 vaccine. The other groups that are recommended to get the H1N1 vaccine are:

• Pregnant women;
• Household members of and caregivers to infants < 6 months
• Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years
• Health-care and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons aged 25 – 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at highest risk for influenza-related complications. Those conditions include:
• • Chronic lung conditions, including asthma;
  • Chronic conditions of the heart, kidney, liver, blood, or metabolic system (including diabetes);
  • Compromised immune system, because of medications or HIV infection.

I am 50 years old and not a first priority for receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine. Why? 
People born before 1958 seem to have some natural immunity to H1N1. This is probably why we have not seen as many H1N1 infections in this age group, especially when compared to the number of cases in younger adults and children. However, if you have a chronic medical condition you should be vaccinated. Talk with your medical provider about your need for the H1N1 vaccine or if you have questions.

What are my chances of getting sick from the vaccine? 
You can't get the flu from the influenza vaccine. Soreness at the injection site is a common side effect of the shot, but some people do get a mild fever, body aches, and fatigue for a few days after the vaccine.

How can I get my seasonal flu vaccine? 
In the coming weeks, medical providers that have requested the vaccine will be receiving shipments. We recommend that you contact your medical provider or commercial pharmacies in your area to check on the availability of the vaccine.

See also:

• Seasonal Flu Vaccine Update (10/16/2009)