Being Prepared — The H1N1 Virus

• H1N1 Home
• Procedure Regarding Class Absence Due to Illness
• About the H1N1 Vaccine
• About the H1N1 Virus

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About the H1N1 Vaccine

• Your Flu Plan (164 KB PDF)
• H1N1 GASHA Update #14: October 21st, 2009 (68 KB PDF)
• H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic Announcement (42 KB PDF)

What is the vaccine?

There are two H1N1 vaccines—adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted. The adjuvanted vaccine is for the general public and the unadjuvanted vaccine is for pregnant women. Adjuvanted vaccine contains an additive, called an adjuvant, which is an ingredient made of naturally occurring oil, water and vitamin E that boosts the body’s immune response and makes the vaccine work better for most people. Adjuvants are also used in other vaccines. The unadjuvanted vaccine does not contain an additive.

Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?

We encourage all Nova Scotians to get vaccinated. Nova Scotia has ordered enough vaccine for every Nova Scotian who wants it.

The vaccine is strongly recommended for anyone at high risk of influenza-related complications and for those who care for them. This includes:

• People younger than 65 with chronic health conditions;
• Pregnant women;
• Healthy children six months to 59 months;
• Health care workers;
• Household contacts and care providers of infants less than six months of age; and,
• People who are immunocompromised.

Who shouldn’t get the vaccine?

The H1N1 flu vaccine is not approved for children under six months. As well, the following groups of people should not receive the vaccine:

• People who have had a previous severe allergic reaction to any element of the vaccine;
• People with a hypersensitivity to eggs;
• People with a high fever; and
• People who have previously experienced Guillian-Barré Syndrome within eight weeks of receiving a seasonal flu vaccine.

Can I receive the H1N1 vaccine along with the seasonal flu vaccine?

Yes. Both types of the H1N1 vaccine can be given at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccine.

Possible Side Effects of the H1N1 Vaccine

Common side effects include:

• Tenderness, redness, and swelling at the injection site; and
• Fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.

As with any vaccine, more serious reactions may occur, but are rare. People should stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after immunization to be monitored for any allergic reaction.

What can you do if you get a reaction?

• Apply a cold compress on the injection site to reduce discomfort.
• As fever may occur, make sure you have acetaminophen or ibuprophen at home. Follow the instructions that come with the product. You should also talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before using fever medications.

Benefits of the H1N1 Vaccine

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, and those around you, from getting sick with H1N1. The benefit of immunization—the prevention of serious illness and death—far outweighs any risk associated with being immunized.

When I get the vaccine, how long will it take to develop immunity to H1N1?

The vaccine gives some immunity to the current strain of the H1N1 flu virus within 10 days.

Safety of the H1N1 Vaccine

Major research into the safety of any vaccine is done before it is used. Canada has very strict requirements for vaccines approved for use in Canada. Vaccines are safety-tested by the manufacturer and by Health Canada. Health Canada reviews all available test results, including international data, to ensure the vaccine is safe and effective before it is given to Canadians.

Using an additive (adjuvant) in a vaccine is not new. Adjuvants are used in many other vaccines in Canada. The adjuvant used in the H1N1 vaccine, although new in Canada, has already been widely used in Europe in other vaccines and has been evaluated by Health Canada. No safety concerns have been found.

Both the adjuvanted and unadjuvanted H1N1 vaccines have been tested and reviewed before being approved for use.