• Flu.gov Frequently Asked Questions

For Healthcare Providers

• Live Attenuated Vaccine (nasal spray vaccine)

• Injectable Vaccine ("flu shot")

• PSA: "Stay Home When You Are Sick!"

• People with Health Conditions

• H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-based Organizations

• H1N1 Flu Resources for Businesses and Employers

• H1N1 Flu: Resources for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs

• H1N1 Flu: Resources for K-12 Schools

• H1N1 Flu: Resources for Colleges and Universities

• Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu.
• You need two vaccines to be fully protected this year.  The seasonal flu vaccine is different from the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine.  The CDC is encouraging people to get both vaccinations, as soon as each is available.
• The four novel H1N1 flu vaccine approved by the FDA are now available to the public increasing quantities. 
• Initially the CDC recommended that certain priority groups receive the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as it became available.  In October, the CDC announced that initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. 
• As supplies have increased, the decision has been taken to make the vaccine available to all persons 6 months of age and older, who desire to be vaccinated.

The demand for vaccine among persons in the five priority groups, and the availability of vaccine supplies now lead to the decision to open all upcoming clinics to everyone 6 months of age and older.

Persons in the priority groups (listed below) should continue to ensure that they receive the novel H1N1 (2009) vaccine, as they remain at higher risk of infection and complication.

• Take everyday preventative actions.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.

All of the novel influenza A H1N1 2009 vaccine has been purchased by the Federal Government.  Once available, the Macomb County Health Department plans to administer the vaccine at health department locations, school-based clinics, and some community-based clinics.  Vaccine will also be made available to private healthcare providers that wish to administer it.  The vaccine will not be commercially available.

• The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine are separate vaccinations. 
• The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against novel H1N1 flu and the novel H1N1 flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine.  Each protects against a different virus and intended to be used along-side the other.
• Seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu injectable vaccines may be administered on the same day. 
• The usual seasonal flu is still expected to cause illness this fall and winter.  Individuals are still encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

• On September 15, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 (Swine) flu virus.
• On September 21, 2009, the National Institutes of Health announced that the novel H1N1 flu vaccine will likely require just one 15-microgram dose for children 10 to 17 years of age.  The immune response in children nine years old and younger were not as strong, and these children will require 2 doses spaced at 1 month apart.  Studies show the immune response is very similar to the seasonal flu vaccination.
• October 2009: The novel H1N1 vaccines are being distributed nationally to the states, however, initial quantities are limited.
• Macomb County Health Department is holding community-based clinics for the target population.  In addition to these public clinics, novel H1N1 vaccine has been distributed to hospitals and private physician offices in Macomb County that requested it through the H1N1 vaccine enrollment process established by the state.  Many of these providers are pediatricians and OB/GYNs; this effectively targets two high-risk population: young children and pregnant women.  Interested community members may call their physicians' office to see if they have enrolled and received vaccine for their patients.
• December 8, 2009: The upcoming community-based H1N1 vaccination clinics have been opened to everyone 6 months of age and older