Primary Contact
Debbie Hamilton
Community Health Nurse
Phone: (705) 325-3611 ext. 1602
Facsimile: (705) 325-0879
Toll-free: 1-866-854-2121
Health Centre:
Reception Desk - (705) 325-3611 ext. 1600
Questions about the H1N1 Virus
1. What are the side effects of the H1N1 vaccine.
The side effects are very similar to the seasonal flu vaccine. We need to remember
that a vaccine is a medication, the same as antibiotics or blood pressure pills - some
people experience side effects from them also. The most common side effects are a sore
arm where you got the needle (it may last a few days). It may also be red and swollen
at the injection site. Some people get tired, achy and have a headache or mild fever
for a day or so after the needle. The majorities of side effects experienced are
relatively mild and go away in a day or two all on their own. In rare cases, there
are more serious side effects from the vaccine - such as an allergic reaction, but
you will be given information on what to watch for before getting the needle.
2. Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women?
Yes, the vaccine is safe and we have the non-adjuvanted vaccine available here in the
community that has been tested and approved for pregnant women. Debbie will be calling
all prenatal clients with a date for a clinic just for them.
3. Is the vaccine still necessary as the worst is now over?
Yes, the vaccine is still necessary. The peak of the second wave may be over but this
virus will be with us the rest of the winter. You may not have gotten it yet or you
may have gotten some other flu or cold virus that you thought was H1N1 virus. It's better
to be safe than sorry on this virus as people are sick for a long time with it and have
lingering coughs and tiredness for several weeks.
4. How safe is this vaccine?
Clinical trials have taken place in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia when developing
this vaccine. Governments have shared information and based their decisions on these results.
The vaccine is made in a very similar way to any seasonal flu vaccine and we have a lot of
experience in safety for that one. The only difference is the use of the adjuvant which is
not commonly used in North America but is commonly used in Europe. The World Health Organization
(WHO) held a consultation of experts from around the world this spring and found no significant
safety concerns associated with usage. The main component of the adjuvant is squalene which
is a naturally occurring fish oil that had been purified. It has been used in one company's
influenza vaccine since 1997 (22 million doses later!) with no severe side effects. The government
will continue to monitor the vaccine and its side effects on an ongoing basis.
5. Can you get the H1N1 virus twice?
No, you can't. Once you have the virus your body develops antibodies that protect you from that
particular disease and you are immune to further infections. You need to remember, though, that there
are many viruses out in the community that cause flu-like illness. Just because you have one, does
not mean you are immune to them all. You may become ill with another virus at a later date.
Some people also are not completely recovered, resume their daily activities too soon and then have
a reoccurrence of illness. So - please stay home until you are feeling completely better.
6. Why can't infants under 6 months get the vaccination?
The current vaccine has not been tested and approved for use with children under 6 months of age.
The seasonal flu vaccine is also not approved for this group so the recommendations have not changed.
7. Can I get the vaccine if I have an egg allergy?
If you have a severe reaction to eggs - hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing or other severe allergic
reactions, you cannot get the vaccine. At this time there is no vaccine for influenza - either H1N1
or the seasonal flu - that is not grown in eggs. If you eat eggs and have had the seasonal flu vaccine
in the past, you may get the H1N1 vaccine.
8. Why are those over 65 not in the high risk group?
Experience has shown over the past 6 months that those over 65 are not getting the H1N1 virus in the same
numbers as younger people. There was an outbreak of this virus in 1957 and they may be immune from
exposure to the disease then.
9. If I have had the flu do I need to get the flu shot?
If you have had a laboratory-confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, then you don't need to have the flu shot.
This is a special test done by the doctor or hospital and is now only being done with people
admitted to hospital. If you "think" you had the flu or the doctor said you probably had it,
it is still recommended to get the flu shot.
10. Why can't everyone get the vaccine right away?
At this time there is a vaccine shortage in Canada so the government has had to develop priority
groups of those at greatest risk. These groups are:
- People with chronic medical conditions* under the age of 65
- Healthy children from six months to five years old
- Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines
(including those caring for infants 0 to 6 months old)
- Health care workers involved in pandemic response or who deliver essential health care services
- Firefighters who provide, as a regular part of their work, emergency health service functions within their community
- People living in remote communities
- Pregnant women - adjuvanted vaccine is available for women who are more than 20 weeks pregnant or have underlying
medical conditions. Women less than 20 weeks pregnant and who do not have an underlying medical condition may wish
to wait until unadjuvanted vaccine is available (anticipated at the earliest November 9th).
*(There are a number of chronic health conditions associated with increased risk of influenza-related
complications. These conditions include but are not limited to: cardiac or pulmonary disorder,
diabetes, cancer, immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to underlying disease or therap, renal
diseas, and anemia.)
These risk groups were immunized first here on Rama First Nation during our November 9th
immunization clinic at the community hall. We are planning to have vaccine for the November 16th
clinic at the Community Hall for all to participate in.
H1N1 Virus: A Timeline
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