To help BJC employees and the public understand current plans for seasonal flu and H1N1 preparedness, the BJC Infection Prevention and Epidemiology Consortium responds to come common questions:
Is H1N1 really a pandemic?
H1N1 has been classified as a “pandemic” because of how far it has spread throughout the world. But the severity of H1N1 illness remains no worse than seasonal influenza, and most people recover without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
Will I be able to get vaccinated against H1N1?
H1N1 vaccine will be given initially to targeted groups of people who seem to be at a higher risk for more severe H1N1 illness or those who are in contact with those groups. The target groups include pregnant women; persons who live with or care for children under 6 months; children ages 6 months to 4 years; children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years of age who have underlying medical conditions that put them at risk for influenza-related complications; and health care and emergency response personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious materials. Depending on the amount of vaccine that is available, BJC may need to prioritize when and which categories of health care workers are vaccinated for H1N1. As more vaccine becomes available, more groups of people will be vaccinated.
Why isn’t there enough vaccine?
Vaccine makers have been producing vaccine as quickly as possible, but the process itself simply takes time. Vaccine will continue to be produced throughout the flu season.
There are still vaccine trials going on. How can anybody be getting a vaccine that hasn’t been tested yet?
The vaccine trials are focusing on how much vaccine is needed to provide immunity, how long it takes and if it can be administered with seasonal flu vaccine. Although safety will be monitored as with all vaccine trials, that is not the purpose of the trials. H1N1 vaccine is produced the same way as seasonal flu vaccines and will be FDA licensed by the time they are released.
I’ve heard we might need two H1N1 shots. Is that true?
The ongoing trials will determine how much vaccine is necessary to gain immunity.
Are health departments the only source for vaccinations?
The U.S. government will use the state and local health departments for distribution of the vaccine. Local health departments have indicated they will provide vaccine to health care organizations to vaccinate frontline employees that are part of the target groups.
How is H1N1 spread?
H1N1 is a strain of influenza and is spread in the same way as seasonal flu. Flu is spread primarily by droplet particles when infected people cough and sneeze. (See sidebar for tips on reducing the risk of getting the flu.)
Is BJC still requiring mandatory seasonal flu shots for employees?
Yes. BJC will be requiring seasonal flu shots for all employees to provide the best possible protection for patients, employees and the community.
When will flu shots start?
Seasonal flu shots will begin around Oct. 1. H1N1 vaccinations will be based on when and how much vaccine becomes available. Initial shipments are expected around mid-October.
Why can’t we get both flu shots in one?
There are several reasons. First, there is not enough H1N1 vaccine available right now. Second, production of seasonal flu vaccine was already well under way before H1N1 vaccine development began. Third, H1N1 vaccine trials are testing how effective the two vaccines are when administered together. They may need to be given separately for full protection.
Where can I get the latest information on H1N1?
BJC will post information and ongoing updates on http://www.bjc.org/, the BJC intranet and in BJC Today and hospital publications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also will provide the latest information on www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
Flu prevention: What you can do to stay healthy
- Stay informed. Follow the latest developments from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth germs enter your body this way.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you get sick to prevent others from catching your illness.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods, will also help you stay healthy.
While government, your employer and other groups are working hard to prepare for pandemic flu, you also can help take charge of your own safety. These are simple steps that you can take to help protect against the spread of flu.