H1N1 Flu Vaccine Information

Post Vaccination Information

The First H1N1 Flu Clinic at Fr. John V. Doyle was held on Tuesday November 10, 2009 from 4-8pm.  Information regarding the vaccine is as follows:
Manufacturer:       Sanofi Pasteur
Lot #:                     UP022AA
Expiration Date:    04/05/2011

The Second H1N1 Flu Clinic was held on Friday January 15, 2010 from 4-7pm.
Information regarding the vaccine is as follows:
Manufacturer:       Sanofi Pasteur
Lot #:                     UP053AA
Expiration Date: 

It generally takes about 10 days after vaccination for your body to produce antibodies, or immunity.  It is very important that  your child continues to follow good hygiene practices including frequent handwashing.  There are many strains of influenza ("the flu"), including H1N1 (swine) and the seasonal flu.  While the flu vaccines help protect against certain strains of flu, children are still susceptible to other strains of the flu.  See below for What are Symptoms of the Flu.

Why does My Child Need a Second Shot?
Studies have shown that children under 10 years of age did not develop enough antibodies to provide them with enough immunity against H1N1.  After receiving the second dose, children showed appropriate immunity levels.  The two doses of the vaccine should be separated by approximately four weeks.  Again, children should continue to take precautions for the remainder of the flu season.

What are the Doses of the Flu Vaccine?
Several pharmeceutical companies developed the H1N1 vaccine this year.  They are the same companies that make the seasonal flu vaccines every year.  The H1N1 vaccine that children received in school was from the pharmaceutical company called Sanofi Pasteur.  The dose that all children received was a 0.5ml dose.  The second dose for children under 10 will also be a  0.5 ml dose.

Do I Need to Bring My Child's Vaccination Card to the Next Flu Clinic?
The card that you received at the November 10 flu clinic is for your information only.  Record of the vaccination will be made available to your pediatrician by the Department of Health.  You may bring the card to the next clinic and we will update it for you but it is not required that you bring it and you do not have to provide this information to your pediatrician.

Vaccine Related Forms and Links
Vaccine Information Statement
General Questions and Answers on Thimerosal
General Questions and Answers on Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Flu Clinic Layout
H1N1 Vaccine Consent Form 

Other Flu Related Information

Is the H1N1 Vaccine Safe?
The H1N1 vaccines will be produced using the same manufacturing process as seasonal influenza vaccines. All seasonal influenza vaccines licensed in the United States are produced in eggs and they do not contain adjuvants. When seasonal influenza vaccines are administered according to licensed indication and usage information they are safe; however vaccines, like any medical product, carry some risks. It is anticipated that the safety profile of licensed 2009 H1N1 monovalent vaccines will be similar to seasonal influenza vaccines; serious adverse events after vaccination are uncommon.

In 1976, a type of influenza vaccine was associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, influenza vaccines have not been clearly linked to GBS. However, if there is a risk of GBS from seasonal influenza vaccines, it would be no more than approximately 1 additional case per million persons vaccinated. 

The H1N1 vaccine will be manufactured, tested, and licensed using the same process and facilities as are used for seasonal flu vaccines. This means that the H1N1 vaccine will be held to the same safety standards as seasonal flu vaccines. There are manydifferent strains of the flu, including H1N1. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against thethree strains of the flu most likely to make people sick each year. A separate vaccine for the H1N1 strain is only being produced this year because H1N1 emerged after seasonal flu vaccine production had begun. The manufacturing process for both vaccines is exactly the same. Next year, the H1N1 strain will be included in the regular seasonal flu vaccine.

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

*Does the H1N1 vaccine have any side effects?
Some people may experience mild side effects after receiving the H1N1 vaccine, just like they do after receiving the seasonal flu vaccine. Side effects may include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, aches, or a low-grade fever. If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and last about 1-2 days. The likelihood of serious side effects to flu vaccines is very low, and officials continually monitor new vaccines for safety and efficacy.

*Is it safe to receive the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine at the same time?
It is expected that people will be able to receive the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine at the same time. However, the seasonal flu vaccine will be available sooner than the H1N1 vaccine. For this reason, the Rhode Island Department of Health(HEALTH) encourages people to get their seasonal flu vaccines as soon as possible instead of waiting for the H1N1 vaccine to arrive.

*Does the H1N1 vaccine contain thimerosal?

TheThe majority of H1N1 vaccine will be packaged in multi-dose vials and will contain thimerosal, a preservative found in some vaccines. There is no evidence that thimerosal is harmful to anyone, including pregnant women and their developing babies. 

   * Consent Letter from Department of Health
   * H1N1 Vaccine Consent Form 
   * H1N1 Vaccine Information Sheet 

What are Symptoms of the Flu? (either seasonal or 2009 H1N1):

Fever (100.0F or greater)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Sometimes vomiting and/or diarrhea

How can you avoid getting the flu?

Get vaccinated
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze-use a tissue, not your hands to cover your mouth. 
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub frequently.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth- this spreads germs.
Avoid close or social contact with sick people.
If you are sick, STAY HOME AND REST!
If your child is sick, they need to stay home and rest too!
Teach your children to wash their hands frequently.

How you can prepare for the flu

If your child becomes ill, it will most likely happen quickly.  Be prepared with the following items:
Childrens Tylenol
    and
Childrens Motrin
Thermometer
Cough medicine
Sugar Free Popsicles
Juice 
Kleenex
Vicks Vapor Rub
Quiet activities for children, such as books, movies, puzzles.

For Additional Information regarding the H1N1 virus and vaccine, please visit the following sites:
    * Flu.gov
   * Rhode Island Department of Health
   * CDC
   * WebMD

If a student is to be absent, the parent is to notify the school at 821-3756 between 7:30 & 8:45am with a brief explanation as to why he/she is out. Please also let us know if your child has a fever and what symptoms your child is experiencing as this helps track illnesses in classrooms, etc.  A fever is a temperature of 100.0 F or greater.  REMINDER: Children must be fever free for 24 hours withous the use of fever reducing medications such as Tylenol or Motrin before returning to school.

Reminder: Medications Dispensed at School

Per RI Rules and Regulations; medications, including over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Motrin, cannot be carried or distributed without a physician's consent form. This policy pertains to ALL students regardless of their age.  If your child has a condition that may require him/her to need medication (chronic headaches, braces, upper grade girls who have started menstruating), please complete and submit the consent form at the beginning of the year. Medications must also be in their original containers labeled with the child's name and dosage as well as the expiration date.  If you need a consent form, see bottom of this page to download and print a blank copy or click here for the
Consent Form.