2009 H1N1 infl uenza (sometimes called Swine Flu) is

caused by a new strain of infl uenza virus. It has spread to

many countries.

Like other fl u viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person

to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes

through touching objects contaminated with the virus.

Signs of 2009 H1N1 can include:

• Fatigue • Fever • Sore Throat • Muscle Aches

• Chills • Coughing • Sneezing

Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.

Most people feel better within a week. But some people

get pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Some people

Seasonal fl u viruses change from year to year, but they

are closely related to each other.

People who have had fl u infections in the past usually

have some immunity to seasonal fl u viruses (their

bodies have built up some ability to fi ght off the viruses).

The 2009 H1N1 fl u virus is a new virus strain. It is very

different from seasonal fl u viruses.

Most people have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 fl u

(their bodies are not prepared to fi ght off the virus).

LAIV is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of

age who are not pregnant and do not have certain health

conditions (see number 5 below). Groups recommended

to receive 2009 H1N1 LAIV fi rst are healthy people who:

• are from 2 through 24 years of age,

• are from 25 through 49 years of age and

- live with or care for infants younger than 6 months

of age, or

- are health care or emergency medical personnel.

through 49 year olds should also be vaccinated.

The Federal government is providing this vaccine for

receipt on a voluntary basis. However, state law or

employers may require vaccination for certain persons.

Get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.

Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See www.immunize.org/vis.

Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1

infl uenza.

• These vaccines are made just like seasonal fl u

vaccines.

• They are expected to be as safe and effective as

seasonal fl u vaccines.

• They will not prevent “infl uenza-like” illnesses

caused by other viruses.

as a shot. It is described in a separate sheet.

The 2009 H1N1 LAIV does not contain thimerosal or

other preservatives. It is licensed for people from 2

through 49 years of age.

The vaccine virus is attenuated (weakened) so it will not

cause illness.

Note: While certain groups should not get LAIV – for

example pregnant women, people with long-term health

problems, and children from 6 months to 2 years of age

– it is important that they be vaccinated . They should get

the fl u shot.

Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior

changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include

diffi culty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness,

weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

happened, and when the vaccination was given.

Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you

can fi le this report through the VAERS website at

• Ask your provider. They can give you the vaccine package

insert or suggest other sources of information.

• Call your local or state health department.

• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Vaccine Information Statement

2009 H1N1 LAIV 10/2/09

A vaccine, like any medicine, could cause a serious problem,

such as a severe allergic reaction. But the risk of any vaccine

causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

The risks from 2009 H1N1 LAIV are expected to be similar

to those from seasonal LAIV:

Some children and adolescents 2-17 years of age have

reported mild reactions, including:

• runny nose, nasal congestion or cough • fever

• headache and muscle aches • wheezing

• abdominal pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea

If you or your child has a reaction to the vaccine, your ability

to sue is limited by law.

However, a federal program has been created to help pay

for the medical care and other specifi c expenses of certain

persons who have a serious reaction to this vaccine. For more

the program’s website at:

www.hrsa.gov/countermeasurescomp/default.htm.

have any severe allergies.

2009 H1N1 LAIV should not be given to the following groups.

• children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older

• pregnant women,

• anyone with a weakened immune system,

• anyone with a long-term health problem such as

- heart disease - kidney or liver disease

- lung disease - metabolic disease such as diabetes

- asthma - anemia and other blood disorders

• children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more

episodes of wheezing during the past year,

• anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as

cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing

problems,

weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected

environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit),

• children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment.

If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to

wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have

a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait.

Tell your doctor if you ever had:

• a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal

fl u vaccine,

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also

called GBS).

These may not be reasons to avoid the vaccine, but the

medical staff can help you decide.

2009 H1N1 LAIV may be given at the same time as most other

vaccines. Tell your doctor if you got any other vaccines within

the past month or plan to get any within the next month. H1N1

LAIV and seasonal LAIV should not be given together.

Some adults 18-49 years of age have reported:

• runny nose or nasal congestion • sore throat

• cough, chills, tiredness/weakness • headache

• Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very

rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes

to a few hours after the vaccination.

• In 1976, an earlier type of inactivated swine fl u vaccine was

associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

LAIV has not been linked to GBS.

vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need

only one dose.