Here is a story I heard from a friend, an adult with a chronic illness. During an appointment with her Primary Care Physician last week she inquired about her flu vaccination status. He told her that she needed the seasonal flu vaccine and if possible, the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. He provided the seasonal flu vaccine, but said he did not have the H1N1 and had no idea about when or if it might come. The next evening, the doctor’s assistant called my friend and told her to go to his office right away for her H1N1 vaccine. He had just received a batch and was saving a shot for her.
The story made me think about how many people may be confused about all the information floating around about seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. I did my own informal research and found several sites helpful.
The CDC has two very informative and easy to understand sites, posted just a couple of days ago. The first one provides answers to frequently asked questions about seasonal flu, and the second provides answers for H1N1 related questions including who should and should NOT get the shot, where and when it is available and more.
I am convinced that getting vaccinated as soon as possible is a far better alternative to suffering from either flu. But not everyone is similarly inclined. In fact, I have heard that there are some celebrities advising people not to get a shot. Please, don’t listen to them, and for that matter, don’t listen to me. Ask a doctor or nurse whom you trust and get his or her opinion.
It’s Free…
Because the government feels strongly that this is a public health issue, it is paying for H1N1 vaccine. Other than a possible service charge that may be covered by your insurance provider it’s free. But even if you do have to pay a $25 fee to a clinic, isn’t that ultimately more cost effective than getting sick, paying for medicine and missing work?
…and it is Available
According to the CDC, the US government has procured 250 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, enough for everyone who wants it. Vaccine is being shipped to clinics every day. I looked online for a flu clinic near my home and found a list of locations, dates and phone numbers. Appointments are required and preference is given to people in high-risk groups. You can also go to www.flu.gov for a list of both seasonal and H1N1 flu clinics in your area and for the answers to most frequently asked questions.
Have you had trouble getting information? Will you get vaccinated? Do you have other sources of reliable information to share? Please share your story with us.