Questions & Answers for Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine
Q. Why was a vaccine for H1N1 developed?
A. The H1N1 virus can cause hospitalizations and may cause complications for people with underlying diseases or conditions. In addition to preventing the transmission of this virus, vaccinations also can provide herd immunity. This type of immunity protects groups who may not be able to take the vaccine or develop good protection after the vaccination.
Q. What is the goal of conducting clinical trials for H1N1?
A. The clinical trials look at the safety of the vaccine. It also looks at the level of protection or antibodies produced after receiving the vaccine. The results will answer these questions:
- How much of and how many doses of the vaccine do you need to protect you?
- Can 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine safely be given with the seasonal flu vaccine?
- If they are given together, will you be protected from both H1N1 and seasonal flu?
Q. The clinical trials are being completed quickly. How do we know the vaccine is safe?
A. Vaccines against H1N1 are being made the same way they make vaccines for seasonal influenza vaccines. The seasonal vaccine is determined based on which strains of the virus are circulating in the Southern Hemisphere.
Q. How do scientists know if the vaccine will work?
A. Our bodies produce “antibodies” which work to fight infections. The researchers will look at the level of protection or antibodies produced after receiving the vaccine.
Q. What is the relationship between “swine influenza” vaccination and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)?
A. It is thought that GBS may be triggered by an infection. In 1976, vaccination with the seasonal influenza vaccine (known as “swine flu”) was associated with getting GBS. Several studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines since 1976 were associated with GBS. Only one of the studies suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the vaccine.
Q. When will the novel H1N1 flu vaccine be available?
A. The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid-late October.
Q. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1 flu?
A. No. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the novel H1N1 flu.
Q. Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
A. It is anticipated that seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines may be given on the same day. This year, though, CDC is recommending we get seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Q. Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine?
A. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the novel H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These key populations include:
- pregnant women
- people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
- people ages of 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
Current data indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older has been less than the risk for younger age groups so far. The committee further recommended that once prioritized groups have been met, providers should begin vaccinating:
- everyone from ages 25 through 64 years
- people over the age of 65
Adapted from CDC Aug 3, 2009 Q & A on Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Last Updated 9/9/2009