What you need to know before receiving the H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. The H1N1 flu virus is new, so people have little or no natural immunity to it. The H1N1 flu virus spread quickly around the world and in June 2009, the World Health Organization declared an influenza pandemic.

The flu is transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route. Coughs and sneezes release the germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.

Symptoms almost always include the sudden onset of cough and fever, commonly include fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, runny nose and decreased appetite, and sometimes include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People of any age can get the flu. Most people are sick for two to seven days, although the cough may last for weeks. The flu can sometimes lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.

Groups at risk of complications from the H1N1 flu virus include children under five years of age, especially those less than two years old; women who are pregnant; and people with chronic conditions such as heart/liver/kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, chronic lung disease, people with compromised immune systems, and those with neurological disorders.

Who should get the H1N1 flu vaccine and when?

Adults and children six months of age and older should get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from the H1N1 flu virus as soon as it is available. The H1N1 flu vaccine is particularly important for people at risk of complications from the flu and those in close contact with them.

Note: if you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant, tell your health care provider as this may affect the vaccine recommended for you.

How well will the vaccine protect against the H1N1 flu virus?

Most people will develop immunity in about 10 days after the H1N1 flu shot. Clinical trials have shown 85% to 98% of healthy adults developed an immune response strong enough to offer protection against the virus.

The vaccine may not work as well in people who have problems with their immune systems or who are taking medication that affects their immune systems, however it is still very important for these people to be vaccinated.

How safe is the H1N1 flu vaccine?

Clinical trials from several countries around the world have shown the H1N1 flu vaccine to safe and effective for protecting yourself against the H1N1 flu virus. The H1N1 flu vaccine is produced in a similar manner to seasonal flu vaccines, which have been used safely and effectively in Canada for many years.

The H1N1 flu vaccine contains an adjuvant, which is an ingredient made of naturally occurring oil, water and vitamin E that boosts the body’s immune response and increases the vaccine effectiveness. This same adjuvant was tested in 45,000 people and did not identify any safety concerns for healthy adults or children. However, the adjuvant was not tested widely in children under three years and pregnant women.

What are the risks from the H1N1 flu vaccine?

The H1N1 flu vaccine contains trace amounts of dead virus, so you cannot get infected by the vaccine. The side effects are generally similar to those associated with the seasonal flu vaccine.

Most common reactions after getting the H1N1 flu vaccine were minor and included pain, swelling and redness at the injection site. Other commonly reported reactions were fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache. In younger children, a fever, drowsiness, irritability and loss of appetite were also reported in low levels. Serious and life-threatening reactions are very rare.

All of these side effects usually disappear within 1-2 days without treatment. If they persist, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

A more serious illness called Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS) has occurred very rarely after the administration of seasonal flu vaccine. All age groups can be affected but GBS is most common in the elderly population.

Who should not get the H1N1 flu vaccine?

The H1N1 vaccine is not authorized for use in children younger than six months of age.

You shouldn’t get the H1N1 vaccine if:

• you have had a previous anaphylactic (severe allergic reaction) to any element of the vaccine;
• you have a hypersensitivity to eggs (e.g. hives, swelling of mouth and/or throat, breathing difficulty);
• you currently have a high fever; or
• you have experienced Guillan-Barré Syndrome within eight weeks of receiving a seasonal flu vaccine

If you have had a severe reaction to previous vaccinations, are pregnant or may be pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, are taking medication that could affect blood clotting, you should consult a health professional before receiving the vaccine.

Be sure to read this entire sheet thoroughly before receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine. If you have any questions about the flu or the flu vaccine, please discuss them with your health care provider before receiving your vaccine.