CURRENT H1N1 VACCINE PROGRAM STATUS
Updated November 9, 2009

H1N1 vaccine is available for Vanderbilt employees who are high risk for H1N1 vaccination as defined by the Centers for Disease Control.

The high risk priority groups for vaccination are:

• healthcare workers with direct patient contact
• pregnant women
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• people 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I’m not in a high risk group.  Will I be able to get vaccine later?
Yes.  We will continue to receive vaccine shipments over the next couple of months.  As more vaccine arrives, we will expand the program.  Ultimately we will be able to offer H1N1 vaccine to all employees.

Why aren’t people over 65 included as a high risk group?
The new 2009 H1N1 virus is not affecting people 65 years and older in the same way that seasonal flu does. In fact, people 65 and older are the group that is least likely to get infected with this new virus. Although people 65 and older are not in a target group recommended to get the earliest doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, they will have the chance to get the vaccine as more becomes available.

What chronic health disorders are considered high risk?
The CDC has recommended vaccination for people ages 25 – 64 with chronic medical conditions including:

• Asthma
• Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, stroke, mental retardation, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury.  
• Chronic  lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis
• Heart disease such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease  
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
• Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Metabolic disorders such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)

How do I get vaccine?
If you are in one of the high risk groups above, you may come to the Occupational Health Clinic, 8am – 5pm M-F.  As more vaccine becomes available we will bring vaccine to various campus locations, but right now supplies are limited.

What kind of H1N1 vaccine do you have?
We have both the inactivated H1N1 vaccine (the shot) and the live, attenuated H1N1 vaccine (the mist).  Healthy, non-pregnant adults under age 50 are encouraged to use the mist.

How soon will I be protected after having the vaccine?
Allow about 2 weeks for your immune system to respond to the vaccine.

What else can I do to stay healthy through flu season?

• Don’t forget to take your seasonal flu shot!
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based rub, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Limit close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Stay home if you get sick, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you get sick, use the Occupational Health Flu Tool for guidance.

Related Information:

Wellcast: Sorting Out The Swine Flu Vaccine
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine FAQs
H1N1 Flu Vaccine Advisor
Occupational Health Flu Tool
H1N1 Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (nasal spray vaccine) Information Sheet
H1N1 Inactivated, Injectible Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

Keywords: flu, influenza, immunization, inoculation, shot, vaccination, H1N1