The top 12 questions about Swine Flu you need to know
The short answer is that the vaccine is expected in early October (2009) and that high-risk groups may get the first dose. However, at this writing it is unclear whether the official date of October 15th will be met. Some States have been told they may receive vaccines sooner but the makers are still testing some special groups such as pregnant women that are at higher risk of becoming infected. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is unlikely to release the vaccine until results are conclusive.
The official figures according to the CDC are of 195 million doses produced by 5 different manufacturers. This number of doses should suffice to cover the needs of approximately the 159 million individuals identified as high risk. Historically, most people do not get flu shots so officials expect this high number of vaccines to be enough for everyone who requires it. This past Friday (9/18/09) federal officials said that at least 3.4 million doses are going to be made available by the 1st week of October. Some States such as Florida that are coping with widespread infections of H1N1 flu virus, especially in schools have organized distribution systems to be able to reach the most amount of people in the shortest of time. You should find through your local government what the status is for your local area and if such system is in place. The plan is to have health care workers get the first batch and protect them as the first line of defense. It is expected that 10x more batches will be distributed by December, compared to the number of doses distributed during the first half of October.
Short answer: both. The majority of the vaccines will come in the form of shots which can be given to children as young as 6 months old. Doses for children and pregnant women will come without thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that has been considered safe although some parents have had anecdotal evidence to the contrary. Nasal spray vaccine can be used for healthy people ages 2 to 49.
It depends on the manufacturer and the age of the person who receives the shot. The vast majority of people will only need one shot but for some children under 10, 2 doses may be recommended depending on the vaccine maker. Make sure to ask the appropriate questions.
Health care worked and the like will come into contact with infected patients first, therefore they require protection before anyone else. Among similar groups are: pregnant women, caretakers and household relatives of children under 6 months, health care workers, children ranging from 6 months to 4 years and children from 5 years to 18 years with chronic medical conditions such as lung illness, heart disease and a weak immune system. It is very important that you contact your doctor in advance to make sure you have an arrangement in place.
A second batch will be distributed to another high-risk group encompassing children 6 months to 24 years and adults 25 years to 64 years with chronic illnesses. Many of the 600 deaths in the US belong to this latter group of which 15% happened in the State of Florida.
Most localities will have control of the distribution through their own health departments and the distribution will take place through the common chanels: physicians, vaccine firms set up at retail stores, clinics, health department offices, hospitals and some community organizations. Most likely, there will be non-traditional set ups as well like in high profile malls. A vast campaign has been set up by federal official to sign up pediatricians and family doctors. Fire departments and schools will be the least places where vaccines may be offered as to avoid the manipulation of needles in a scheme of mass vaccinations.
If you have insurance, NOTHING. This is campaign run and funded by the government and insurers are expected to cover the administration fee that providers charge. However, those who are uninsured may end up paying anything from $23 to $25.
Preliminary evidence suggests that the vaccines is quite effective. In clinical trials, it produced a strong immune reponse in a high portion of the population tested.
The safety of this vaccine is equivalent to the safety of the seasonal flu vaccine, which is considered very safe. In trials, side effects were minor, pain at the injection site and mild, flu-like symptoms.
No. Each vaccine protects a person for different types of flu. The regular vaccine offers protection against three different types of seasonal flu whereas the swine vaccine only protects against the H1N1 type.
You can, as long as each shot is given on different arms.
The present distribution scheme relies on the traditional honor system, meaning that those involved at the distribution level have signed an agreement by which they promise to follow the CDC priority list.
