Vaccine is available for both H1N1 and seasonal flu

Who is at highest risk?

Here are those who should get H1N1 flu vaccination:

• Pregnant women

• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

• People who live with children younger than 6 months, and caregivers of these children

• Health care and emergency medical services workers

• People 25 through 64 years old with heart and lung disease, asthma and other conditions that damage immunity

And here are those who should get seasonal flu vaccination:

(If you are on both lists, you should get both vaccinations.)

• Everyone age 6 months to 18 years

• Adults 50 and older

• People who have long-term health problems (heart disease, lung disease, asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, HIV, etc.)

• People living in nursing homes and other long-term housing facilities for those with chronic medical conditions

• Women who will be pregnant during flu season

• People who give direct patient care, including health-care workers and family members

• Caregivers and people with close contact with children 0 to 59 months old, adults 50 years and older, and people with high-risk medical conditions.

If you are in one of these groups, or just want to lower your chances of flu this year, you should have a seasonal flu shot as soon as possible.

CareOregon covers flu shots for CareOregon members!

H1N1 vaccination will take two shots

The first shipment of H1N1 vaccine should reach Oregon by October 15.

The vaccine will be given first to the people who may have serious problems from H1N1 (see “Who is at highest risk?”). If you are at risk, please get vaccinated as soon as you can. If you get a shot, you will need a second shot at least three weeks later.

If you’re not at risk, please wait until those who need it have theirs.

Each county will have a different way to distribute H1N1 vaccine. Watch for announcements about where to get shots in your county.

If you have an allergy to eggs or the regular seasonal flu shot, ask your provider about other ways to protect yourself from H1N1.

Get your seasonal flu shots early

A lot of effort is going into the H1N1 flu this winter. And the seasonal flu will be back as usual. You should get a seasonal flu shot, especially if you are at risk of complications (see “Who is at highest risk?)”

In fact, it would be a great help if you got your seasonal flu shot right away. You don’t need to wait until October or November. That way, you’ll have your seasonal flu shot out of the way if you need the two H1N1 shots.