Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu. This year, you should receive 2 different flu vaccines for the best protection because seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines protect against different flu viruses.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of 15 experts in immunization-related fields, makes recommendations on who should receive influenza vaccines first when supplies are limited based on: Seriousness of the disease, the age and risk groups most affected, and more. ACIP has different recommendations for who should receive the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines.
Currently, supplies of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine are not limited. Influenza vaccine virus is grown in eggs. If you have a severe chicken egg allergy or allergy to any vaccine component, you should not get the vaccine. Below is a chart comparing the vaccines.
Additional H1N1 target group information:
- Pregnant women: They are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age: Younger infants are at higher risk of complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by "cocooning" them from the virus;
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel: Infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
- All individuals from 6 months through 24 years of age: Cases of the 2009 H1N1 virus have been reported in children and healthy young adults who are in close contact with each other in school and daycare settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread;
- Adults 25 through 64 years of age who have underlying health conditions: They are at a greater risk of medical complications from the flu.
Note: It is expected that there will be enough 2009 H1N1 vaccine for everyone who wishes to be vaccinated.
Click here to find the ACIP recommendations for seasonal flu.
Click here to find the ACIP recommendations for 2009 H1N1 flu.