H1N1 influenza shots have started to arrive
The Hawai`i State Department of Health (DOH) has announced the inoculation (shot) version of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine has started to arrive in Hawai`i, and supplies will continue to increase as more orders are placed. The influenza nasal spray version of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine arrived in Hawai`i on October 5, and health care providers began immediately administering the dosage to priority groups. Now that the shot version of the vaccine is here, more people in priority groups can start receiving their vaccine, including health care workers, first responders involved in direct patient care and those at higher risk for developing serious complications from the 2009 H1N1 flu.
The difference between the nasal spray and shot version of the vaccinations is that the nasal spray contains a live, weakened virus and should not be used in pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems. The shot version contains a portion of inactivated virus and can be given to everyone.
Both vaccine versions are safe and have been produced the same way as regular flu vaccines except that this new vaccine protects against 2009 H1N1. Members of priority groups should contact their health care provider to determine the appropriate version to receive.
For a list of community providers offering the H1N1 vaccine to the public, visit flu.hawaii.gov.
Both vaccine versions are safe and have been produced the same way as regular flu vaccines except that this new vaccine protects against 2009 H1N1. Members of priority groups should contact their health care provider to determine the appropriate version to receive.
For a list of community providers offering the H1N1 vaccine to the public, visit flu.hawaii.gov.
