Printer
TextH1N1 Vaccine Availability & Distribution
Vaccine
-
There are two types of vaccine currently available through the Health
Department:
-
The flu shot is injected. It is approved for children 6
months and older, pregnant women, and adults
-
The nasal spray vaccine is approved for healthy people 2 -
49 years of age. Pregnant women and children under 2 years of age
cannot get the nasal spray. There are many benefits to using
H1N1 nasal spray vaccine:
-
A painless delivery system for those who have an aversion to
needles
-
Nasal spray vaccine is preservative-free
-
Nasal spray vaccine is as safe and effective as the flu
shot
-
A painless delivery system for those who have an aversion to
needles
-
The flu shot is injected. It is approved for children 6
months and older, pregnant women, and adults
-
The Health Department does have a small amount of single-dose flu shots
that are preservative-free.
-
We cannot guarantee that you will get your preferred choice of
vaccine when you reach the vaccination station. Because there are
limited quantities of flu shot vaccine, compared with the nasal spray
vaccine, we want to use the limited quantities wisely and reserve the
flu shot vaccine for high risk individuals for whom the nasal spray
vaccine is not an option. Therefore, individuals who are eligible
for nasal spray vaccine should expect to be offered only nasal spray
vaccine.
-
The CDC recommends all children through 9 years of age receive two
doses of H1N1 vaccine separated by four weeks (28 days or more).
-
Parents should bring the “Influenza Vaccination Record” card
that they received when the first dose was administered.
-
The CDC recommends, when possible, the same type of vaccine be used
in a two-dose schedule (i.e. two flu shots or two nasal sprays,
separated by 4 weeks). However, it is safe and acceptable to
receive a different type of vaccine for the second dose as this is
preferable to not receiving a second dose. The Fairfax County
Health Department will make every effort to follow this
recommendation. Children receiving a second dose will be offered
the same type of vaccine they received for the first dose, as
supplies allow.
-
Getting the second dose of vaccine anytime after four weeks will
provide protection and will not create a need for a repeat of the
first dose. Failure to receive a second dose of vaccine leaves
these children with uncertain and usually inadequate
protection.
-
Parents seeking a second dose may choose to receive vaccine through
one of the five Health Department District offices, this mass
vaccination clinic on Nov. 21, or their health care provider if
they have H1N1 vaccine available.
-
Parents should bring the “Influenza Vaccination Record” card
that they received when the first dose was administered.
-
There are some people who will not be able to obtain the H1N1 vaccine
through the Fairfax County Health Department. Instead, please consult
your physician:
-
People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
-
Children younger than 6 months of age
- More from CDC
-
People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
Vaccine Information Statements
The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine has been carefully tested and proved to be both safe and effective. Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine are below. Those who wish to receive a flu shot are encouraged to read both statements to educate themselves about the vaccine.
-
VIS Flu Shot
//
Spanish
// Arabic // Korean // Chinese // Urdu
-
VIS Nasal Spray // Spanish // Arabic // Korean // Chinese // Urdu
Consent Forms
A child’s parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form before the child can be vaccinated. An adult 18 years or older must accompany children under the age of 18 to the vaccination site. Parents are encouraged to print the form and bring it to the clinic. Filling them out in advance will speed up the process, but consent forms also will be available on site. You will need one form for every person receiving vaccine.
For Nov. 21 Mass Clinic at the Government Center:
Consent forms and Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are also available at Health Department district offices.
Stay Informed About Vaccine Availability
The Fairfax County Health Department is committed to vaccinating target populations as quickly as vaccine becomes available. Updated information about the weekly availability and distribution of H1N1 vaccine through the Health Department’s five district offices will be posted on the county's flu Web page.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports that all private physician offices and hospitals that have registered with VDH to serve as vaccination sites either have received limited amounts of vaccine or have vaccine en route to their offices. You may check with your health care provider about the availability of H1N1 vaccine.
Residents are encouraged to check one of the following official sources for updates on vaccine availability and distribution through the Fairfax County Health Department:
- Fairfax County Flu Web Page
-
Twitter
-
Facebook
- Fairfax County H1N1 Call Center: 703-267-3511, TTY: 703-591-6435
**Survey: Provide Feedback About the Web Site, Including This Page**