Topic: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Human Swine Influenza: Frequently asked questions and answers about the vaccination program
Description
This fact sheet provides questions and answers about the Pandemic(H1N1) Human Swine Influenza vaccination program.
Why should we vaccinate against the pandemic influenza virus?
While most healthy adults recover from Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza within a few days some people, especially those with certain chronic illnesses like heart or lung disease, can develop complications. These can include pneumonia or heart failure, which can be fatal. Seasonal influenza vaccination has been shown to reduce illness, hospitalisation and death. Vaccination against pandemic influenza is likely to be extremely useful in further bringing the spread of the disease under control and protecting those most at risk from infection. It is likely that a pandemic influenza vaccine will provide a significant level of protection against infection. Influenza is never a trivial infection, and a number of people will still experience severe illness as a result.
Who are the priority groups to receive the vaccine?
The priority groups to receive the vaccine will be pregnant women, people with chronic disease, Indigenous people, obese people, children in special schools and carers of infants aged 0 to six months. Vaccination of frontline health workers will begin at the same time, as they are at increased risk of infection and can transmit it to susceptible patients. By vaccinating these groups we aim to protect those most vulnerable to the virus.
Will vaccination be offered to all Australians?
Only one injection is required for adults so there will be enough vaccine to offer pandemic flu immunisation to most of the Australian population. Although priority groups have been identified, any person wishing to protect themselves can receive the vaccine.
Why are older Australians not included in the priority groups?
Many older people will be part of an identified priority group because of underlying health conditions. Healthy older people appear to have had less infection with pandemic H1N1 influenza but we continue to monitor who is being infected. Although priority groups have been identified, any person wishing to protect themselves can receive the vaccine.
Is it safe to be vaccinated if I'm pregnant?
Yes, safety of the pandemic H1N1 vaccine is assumed because it is the same as seasonal influenza vaccine except it covers a different strain of influenza virus. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended in pregnancy.
How is the vaccine being rolled out?
The vaccine is being ordered and distributed in the usual way. Orders are placed with the Queensland Health Immunisation Program (Tel: 3328-9888)and distribution is being undertaken by CSL Ltd.
Can I buy the vaccine privately?
No. All available vaccine has been purchased by the Australian Government for use in the Vaccination program.
Will the vaccine be free?
The vaccine is provided free, but a consultation fee from the healthcare provider may be charged.
When did the vaccination program start?
The vaccination program for people aged 10 years and over started on 30 September 2009. The vaccine was registered for children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years on 04 December 2009.
How do I get the vaccine?
After September 30, you should contact your GP to see if they are participating and if they have vaccine, prior to making an appointment. The vaccine is being distributed around Queensland as quickly as possible but may not yet be available in your area. If you do not have a GP you should contact your local medical centre, health centre or hospital who will be able to advise you of arrangements that they have in place to give the vaccine.
If the vaccine program starts in September, won't it be too late to protect most people against the influenza?
No. Most people have yet to be exposed to the virus and are thus still at risk. Data from the Northern Hemisphere shows that the virus is still highly transmissible during the warmer months. It is also possible that a 'second wave' of infections may occur as seen in previous pandemics, and that this may be more serious than the first wave.
I think I've had the pandemic influenza. Do I need to have the vaccine?
If you have definitely had pandemic influenza it is likely you have immunity. But you can only know for certain if you had the pandemic flu if you were tested for it, and the test was positive. If you are in a priority group and have had flu but were not tested to confirm it was the pandemic strain, you are still advised to be vaccinated to ensure that you have good protection against the pandemic virus.
Will I get influenza from this vaccine?
No. This vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot give you influenza.
Will more than one dose be required?
For people aged 10 years and over, only one dose is required. For children aged 6 months to 9 years, two dases are required at least 28 days apart.
Will I still need to have a seasonal influenza vaccination next year?
If you normally get the seasonal flu vaccine you should continue to do so. Seasonal vaccines protect against multiple strains of influenza based on the strains causing illness in the previous northern hemisphere winter.
Is it likely there will be a second wave of the pandemic and when will it occur?
Yes. Most experts agree that it is likely there will be a second wave at some time. However, when this will occur is not known.
More information
Please go to the Queensland Health Swine Flu Response website: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/swineflu/html/vacc.asp
Last Updated: 1st April, 2010
Date Valid to: 27th February, 2010
