What You Should Know | Who Should Be Vaccinated | Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

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What You Should Know

• At this time, anyone who wants to reduce their chance of getting the H1N1 flu can get vaccinated.

• Like seasonal flu vaccine, the 2009 H1N1 vaccine is available in a shot form (Vaccine Information Statement) and a nasal spray form (Vaccine Information Statement).

• Safety: The 2009 H1N1 vaccines, both forms, are manufactured and tested in the same ways that seasonal flu vaccine is made. For more on the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine safety, click here.

• Protection: Regardless of which form is used, it takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after you receive the vaccination. The 2009 H1N1 vaccine will not protect against seasonal flu viruses.

• Children Under 10: Regardless of which form is used, children younger than 10 years should receive two doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. The two doses should be separated by 4 weeks.

• Voluntary: The national 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine program is voluntary. Those interested in vaccination will receive accurate information so they can make an informed decision.

• Cost: The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is free, however providers may charge an administration fee which may be billed to insurances. Every effort is being made to ensure that cost is not a barrier for anyone who would like to get vaccinated.

Who Should Be Vaccinated

• Anyone who wants to reduce their chance of getting the H1N1 flu can get vaccinated.

• CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommend that the following groups be vaccinated because they are at high risk for having serious flu complications or they live with or care for people at high risk for serious complications.
• Pregnant women;
• People who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months;
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• People 6 months through 24 years of age; and
• People 25 years through 64 years of age who have the following medical conditions:
  • Asthma
  • Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury
  • Chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis
  • Heart disease such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease
  • Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
  • Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus
  • Kidney disorders
  • Liver disorders
  • Metabolic disorders such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders
  • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
    

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

• There are some people who should not get any flu vaccine without first consulting a physician:   

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs;
• People who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination;
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine previously.
• Children younger than 6 months of age (flu vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

Community Clinics

• Public Health - Muskegon County and the Medical Reserve Corps are providing FREE H1N1 flu vaccination clinics. To schedule a FREE clinic call (231) 724-1204 or email us.

Doctors' Offices & Health Care Centers

• The following providers are offering the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

• Please be aware that the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is free, however providers may charge an administration fee which may be billed to your insurance.

• If your doctor's office is listed below, please call them to check availability and hours of service.

• If your doctor's office is not listed below, or you do not have a doctor, insurance, or insurance that covers the cost of vaccinations, please use the community clinic at the public health department or one of the pharmacies.

• MUSKEGON COUNTY PREGNANT WOMEN: If you are pregnant and your doctor's office is not listed below, or you do not have a doctor, please call (231) 724-7191.