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H1N1 Vaccine Clinic

Limited supplies while they last

For obstetric patients of our practice only -- It's Free!

Saturday October 24, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

What is H1N1?

It is a flu virus which has not been around for many years. The flu is a viral infection that causes fever, cough and or sore throat. Other symptoms that may occur include headache, muscle aces, runny nose and less commonly vomiting or diarrhea. People under 50 years of age do not have immunity against H1N1. In prior epidemics many people died due to the complications of the H1N1 (swine) flu.

How does H1N1 spread?

It is spread by droplets from the mouth and nose when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. You can also become sick by touching something with virus on it such as door knobs and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. People are contagious from 1 day before to 7 days after the start of symptoms. Washing your hands frequently reduces the spread of the virus.

Why should pregnant women be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus?

Pregnant women with the flu due to H1N1 or the seasonal virus are at higher risk for complications of the flu. The complications include pneumonia, respiratory failure, kidney failure, pulmonary embolus (blood clot to the lungs) and death. Suppression of the immune system may explain why complications are more common in pregnant women. The vaccine also provides protection to newborns of vaccinated mothers as newborns cannot be immunized until 6 months of age.

Will I still need to be immunized against the seasonal flu virus?

Yes the H1N1 vaccine will not protect you from the seasonal flu virus which also can cause the same serious complications in pregnant patients. The seasonal flu vaccine will not be available at this clinic.