Health Services
Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1
Is the 2009 H1N1 vaccine safe and how is it made?
All four (4) manufacturers of the 2009 H1N1 vaccines are using the same processes that they use for making seasonal flu vaccines, which have a long record of producing safe seasonal influenza vaccines. The 2009 H1N1 vaccines are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines.
Why won’t my doctor test me for 2009 H1N1 flu? Where can I get tested for 2009 H1N1 flu?
At this time doctors are only testing people for H1N1 if they meet certain criteria. Generally this applies to individuals who have been hospitalized with a positive influenza A test. This is at the request of the Centers for Disease Control and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. So far, novel H1N1 illness in Colorado is similar to seasonal influenza, and most people have mild illness. It is not necessary to be tested for H1N1 since the treatment for this virus is the same as any flu virus.
When will additional H1N1 vaccine be available to other groups?
The vaccine situation changes rapidly – throughout each day, vaccine is shipped from the vaccine manufacturers to distribution centers; orders are sent to the distribution centers; orders are processed and shipped; and vaccine arrives in thousands of places across the country. Because of this process, Mesa County Health Department cannot estimate when vaccine will arrive, how much will arrive, and what type will be received. Please remain patient and check the website for the latest in vaccine availability.
Why isn't more H1N1 vaccine available?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had to choose between waiting to distribute vaccine until we had large quantities ready to be shipped versus distributing limited quantities of the vaccine sooner. CDC chose the latter knowing that it would create some challenges and frustrations (for our public health partners in the states,
providers, and the public), but also knowing that it would allow us to start protecting people against
this disease as soon as possible.Thus, the CDC only has small amounts of vaccine for states to order at the moment. Given this situation,
states will initially be conducting very targeted vaccination efforts that take into consideration their
local situation with 2009 H1N1 disease.
For additional questions and answers, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
