The top 7 questions about the Swine Flu Vaccine for Moms

1. What flu vaccines are available now?
    - Right now there is a Flu Mist - this is a nasal spray that protects 
against H1N1 (swine flu).
        - The Flu Mist is for:  people 2 - 49 who DO NOT have any underlying 
health problems, health care workers, people who care for or work with 
infants & small children.
        - The Flu Mist is NOT to be used in pregnant women : as it contains 
the live virus.
    - The injectable H1N1 vaccine is starting to become available.
    - the Seasonal flu vaccine is ALSO available now, though supplies are 
low, (because the manufacturers were busy making H1N1 vaccine).

2. Who should be vaccinated for H1N1 when the injectable vaccine is 
available?
    - Pregnant women - (they are at highest risk of severe pneumonia)
    - Health care workers and emergency personnel like firefighters, 
police, etc.
    - Children 6 months to 24 years.
    - People over 24 who have chronic health problems such as asthma or a 
compromised immune system.

3. How many doses of H1N1 will people need?
    - for people 10 and older, just one dose.
    - For children 9 and younger 2 doses for H1N1.

4.  Can people get the Seasonal Flu and the H1N1 at the same time?
    - Yes, they can if they use the injectable vaccines.  Not if they use 
either of the Nasal spray inhaled vaccines, as these contain the live 
virus.

5. What about Side Effects?
    - Good news, the side effects are similar to those of the seasonal 
flu vaccine, soreness at the site of the injection.  Very few people 
have other symptoms, but those might be headache, muscle aches, not 
feeling well.

6. What if my baby is less than 6 months old?
    – Babies less than 6 months still have a lot of their mother's 
antibodies to help them fight off infection.
    – Moms who have infants and are breast or bottle feeding should get 
the H1N1 vaccine to protect themselves and decrease the risk of 
spreading the infection to their newborn.
    – Moms should have any other older children vaccinated to help 
protect the baby.

7. What should I do if my baby or other children get flu symptoms?
    – Make sure that you call their pediatrician and tell them your 
child's symptoms.
    – If children are breathing rapidly, or have difficulty breathing or 
have a persistent cough, bring them to see a health care provider.

As always, use good handwashing, throw away tissues and cough in your 
elbow.  Carry around an alcohol based hand cleaner.
If your children are sick, keep them home from school and if you're 
sick, stay home too.