An Update from DMC Corporate Quality (11/04/09):
H1N1 influenza is increasingly prevalent in Michigan. Thus, we cannot completely avoid encountering individuals with this form of the flu, either in the workplace or in the community. However, there are precautions we can take to protect our health. Vaccination is the first and most important precaution.
As H1N1 vaccine becomes available, DMC OHS is actively disseminating it to healthcare workers in the interest of protecting our patients, as well as protecting our healthcare workers. Initially, due to limited supply, the vaccine was primarily directed at healthcare workers who are at highest risk of complications from H1N1 flu (e.g. pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised), and those caring for patients at highest risk. As more vaccine becomes available, it is our goal to vaccinate all healthcare workers against H1N1 influenza.
There are two forms of H1N1 vaccine: the inactivated vaccine which is injected, and the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) which is administered as a nasal spray. Almost everyone can receive the injectable vaccine, while only certain individuals can receive the live nasal spray (see criteria for LAIV below). Due to our limited supply of the injectable vaccine, we are promoting the live vaccine to those healthcare workers who meet these criteria. LAIV is both safe and effective. It can be used for most people below the age of 50 (it is not unsafe for those over 50, but we are not sure of its effectiveness). While LAIV will not be given to pregnant women, it can be given safely to healthcare workers who take care of pregnant women. LAIV is a live attenuated (weakened) form of the H1N1 flu virus that may cause very mild symptoms (e.g. sniffles), but will not cause the flu. However, healthcare workers should not provide direct hands-on patient care to severely immunocompromised patients for 7 days following receipt of LAIV. DMC OHS locations and hours are:
- DMC OHS Central Campus (313) 745-4522, M-F, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
- DMC OHS Sinai Grace (313) 966-4807, M-F, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
- DMC OHS Huron Valley Sinai (248) 937-3405, option 2, M-F, 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
Please
watch for announcements regarding other opportunities for vaccination.
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Basics
- Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza
- Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available
- The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu
- The 2009 H1N1 will not protect against seasonal influenza
Targeted Populations
The CDC has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include:
- pregnant women
- people who live with or care for children <6 months of age
- healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- persons between the ages of 6 months - 24 years
- people ages of 25- 64 years at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders
Types of H1N1 Vaccine
There are 2 types of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines
- An inactivated vaccine (containing killed influenza virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm
- The nasal-spray flu vaccine called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine”
Vaccine Administration and Exclusions
- Persons 10 years of age and older require one dose of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine
- Children <10 years may need 2 doses
- Infants <6 months of age are too young to get the influenza vaccines
- The seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day but given at different sites Side effects
- The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is made using the same processes that are used to make seasonal influenza vaccines
- The side effects from 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine are expected to be similar to those from seasonal flu vaccines
- The most common side effects are expected to be mild, such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. Some may experience headache, muscle aches, fever, nausea and fainting. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and may last 1-2 days
- Anyone who has a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine should not get the vaccine
Information is continually updated at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/