H1N1: Who is Winning the Race, the Flu or the Vaccines?

October 29, 2009

It is tough to say who is winning the race as manufacturers struggle to ramp up their supplies of vaccines (both seasonal and H1N1).  Susan Locke, M.D., Medical Director of Healthnetwork Foundation, continues to monitor the flu season and here are her answers to some recent questions.

I can't seem to find the vaccines for my family; can you get me a vaccine?

This year's flu season started earlier than expected and this is placing a great demand on supplies.  It is important to note that seasonal flu vaccines are available in some markets and the H1N1 vaccines are starting to arrive. Requesting vaccines from your primary physician and/or monitoring local providers remain your best options.

Healthnetwork cannot provide you with a vaccine. We will assist with suggestions on resources to help you secure vaccines. With the supply of vaccines so unpredictable, we are monitoring the process as best we can.  One resource to locate vaccines is the Flu Clinic Locator web site created by The American Lung Association. Click here

My physician is not sure he/she will have the H1N1 vaccine.  Why can't he/she get it for me?

Seasonal vaccines are requested primarily through private channels - your physicians, hospitals, clinics or even drug stores request dosages right from the manufacturers. The H1N1 vaccine distribution is controlled by the government - state and local health departments are still verifying vaccination sites while they send out dosages. So your physician may very well be in the dark right now about the H1N1 vaccine.

I am in the high-risk category and still I am being told to wait.  Why?

Our suggestion is to continue to work with your physicians.  Pregnant women should call their obstetrician; call your pediatrician for your children or if you have chronic medical issues, please consult your treating physicians.  To help with the high demand of the H1N1 vaccines, some states like Ohio are setting up on-line registration portals to help high-risk people secure vaccines.  Click here to find out more about your state's information.

It has been reported that people who are not considered high risk could wait until December or even January for their vaccines. 

Is it possible to get the flu after receiving a vaccine?

Yes and No.  It is not uncommon to have side-effects that mimic the flu.  These can include redness and soreness around the injection site, body aches, and a low-grade fever (under 101).  Because it takes about two weeks to develop immunity from the vaccine, indivdiuals are still at-risk for contracting both types of flu.  Exposure prior to or immediately following injection of the vaccine can result in seasonal flu or H1N1 flu.

What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?

If you are in the high-risk groups for severe H1N1 then you should consult your physician as soon as you show symptoms of the flu so you can start antiviral treatment such as Tamiflu or Relenza.  Many cases will resolve themselves within a few days. ERs are being flooded with patients; you should only seek treatment if you develop severe symptoms (shortness of breath, lethargy).

I had flu-like symptoms. How do I know whether I need the seasonal vaccine or the H1N1 vaccine?

If you haven't been confirmed to have 2009 H1N1 you should get the vaccine according to the CDC suggestions. Other, unrelated viruses can cause "flu-like" illnesses so vaccination is still recommended for those who think they have had the flu.

If you have been confirmed to have 2009 H1N1, then you have immunity and won't get infected again this year with that virus. However, most people who get the flu won't be tested for H1N1 (there simply is not capacity in the labs for the tests) so most people won't know for sure if they have been infected.

Healthnetwork will continue to monitor the H1N1 situation for the benefit of our members. Click here for a more complete flu Q&A by Dr. Locke.

Please call our office if you have any questions, or you need assistance with a medical issue. 

Healthnetwork Foundation

866-968-2467
440-893-0830

help@healthnetworkfoundation.org