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The H1N1 flu vaccine is being sent out this week and, depending on where you live, the vaccine may already be available for you and your family. Getting the H1N1 flu vaccine is voluntary, but the CDC does recommend that all children (ages 6 months-24 years of age) receive the vaccine.

Will your children get the H1N1 vaccine? You now know that children are a priority for the vaccine. The CDC advises that children get the vaccine as soon as it is available because there have been many cases of H1N1 in children. Plus, children are at the highest risk of getting seriously ill and being in schools and day cares makes the spread of the flu more likely.

Are you worried about the H1N1 flu vaccine? There is a natural concern about any vaccine that is new. Is it safe? Are there side effects? What about preservatives like thimerosal?

A few facts about the the H1N1 flu vaccine:

• The CDC recommends that the following groups receive the vaccine as soon as it is available: pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months, health care and emergency medical personnel, anyone 6 months-24 years of age, anyone 25-64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system

• The H1N1 flu shot will come in two forms. One form is the typical injectable shot. The second form is sprayed into the nose and is a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine (LAIV.) The LAIV does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. It can used in people 2-49 years of age. It is not for pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of one dose of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine for persons 10 years of age and older. Two doses are recommended for children nine years old and younger.
• For more information about how the H1N1 vaccine was tested, read this helpful list of questions and answers about the clinical trials of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Signs of the H1N1 flu include fatigue, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, coughing, sneezing.

To stay up to date on flu information, see 4 Ways to Get the Latest on the Flu

References
CDC H1N1 Flu Vaccination Resources
flu.gov