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Preparing For Flu Season 2009-2010

Please read below for information on what is influenza, prevention tips, vaccine options, and the status of availability of "seasonal" flu and H1N1 vaccines within Cedars-Sinai Medical Group.

What is the flu (or influenza)?

The flu is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu usually spreads through the air from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

This year your child may be exposed to two different types of flu infections.

The "seasonal" flu is the usual influenza that occurs every year. The H1N1 flu, commonly known as "the Swine Flu", is a new virus. H1N1 is a new virus so more individuals are susceptible to becoming ill.

Both strains of the flu can cause mild or severe illness, and at times death. The risk of getting a severe case of the flu is about the same for both strains of virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people recover from the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu on their own, without medical attention.

What are the symptoms of the common "seasonal" flu?

  • Fever, headache, tiredness (extreme), sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 (Swine Flu)?

  • Cough, nausea, chills, and diarrhea

Flu Prevention

How do I reduce the risk of getting the flu and other viral respiratory infections?

  • Wash hands often, especially during winter months when the flu is most common
  • Keep hands away from nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses are most likely to enter the body through these areas.
  • Stop smoking. It irritates the lining of the nose, sinuses, and lungs, which may make the body susceptible to complications of the flu and also could affect your child's health.

The "Seasonal" Flu Information:

What types of vaccines are there?

  • For pediatric patients there are the two vaccine options during the "seasonal" flu, an injectable vaccine and the FluMist ® nasal spray. FluMist is a live influenza virus vaccine administered intranasally.
    • The injection can be given to all children ages 6 months - 18 years, and is generally covered by insurance.
    • The FluMist® is for healthy children 2 years - 18 years, but generally not covered by insurance.
    • Children with severe egg allergy, prior severe reaction to flu vaccine or a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome should not receive the flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. Please let your doctor know about any egg allergies or a history of Guillain - Barre Syndrome before making your appointment.

  • For adult patients, there are two vaccines available.
    • Injectable inactivated influenza vaccine.
    • FluMist is available for healthy adults less than 50 years of age.

Who should receive the Seasonal Flu Vaccine?
Due to the limited supply of "Seasonal" Flu vaccine, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that any person >6 months at increased risk for complications of influenza should be vaccinated.

For a summary of influenza vaccination recommendations for adults this flu season, please refer to the CDC's 2009-10 Influenza Prevention & Control Recommendations for seasonal flu

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information:

An H1N1 Vaccine is currently in production. It will be available to be given in conjunction with the current "seasonal" flu vaccine. The vaccine is expected to be available sometime in October or November.

Who should receive the H1N1 Vaccine?
For official recommendation and explanation of who should receive the vaccine please refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm

The CDC has determined priority groups for people they believe are at high risk for contracting the virus. Once we get the vaccine, we will follow the guidelines established by the CDC for administration to each group. Please keep in mind, the priority groups are subject to change.

The CDC recommended groups for H1N1 influenza vaccinations are as follows:

  • pregnant women,
  • persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers),
  • health-care and emergency medical services personnel,
  • persons aged 6 months-24 years, and
  • persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
After all demand from these high risk categories are vaccinated, the vaccine will be offered to those considered not to be at high risk for contracting H1N1 (See CDC link above for more details.)

How many shots are required?
For infants and children between 6 months -10 years old: 2 vaccinations given 1 month apart are required. All other high risk groups require only one vaccination.

Status of Vaccine Availability for Cedars-Sinai Medical Group Patients

Updated December 16, 2009

This flu season many different manufacturers are making the H1N1 flu vaccine. Although there are some manufacturers who make vaccines for all ages over 6 months old, some manufacturers can only make flu vaccines for certain age groups (based on the FDA requirements).

Our medical group has ordered vaccines for all age groups, and have been receiving them in small quantities at a time. Please see below for details and check back on this website for updates.

Infants, ages 6mos - 35mos:

Seasonal Flu Vaccine - We currently have the "seasonal" flu vaccine. For fastest access, please call our Patient Services at (800) 700 6424, for an appointment.

H1N1 Vaccine - At this time, we have H1N1 vaccines available for this age group. We are reaching out to all patients who have called in to be put on the waiting list. If you would like an appointment and are not on our waiting list, please contact your pediatrician's office.

Children, 3-18 years of age:

Seasonal Flu Vaccine - We currently have the "seasonal" flu vaccine. For fastest access, please call our Patient Services at (800) 700 6424, for an appointment.

H1N1 Vaccine - We now have H1N1 vaccines available for this age group. We are reaching out to all patients who have called in to be on our waitlist. If would like an appointment and are not on the waitlist, please contact your doctor's office.

Adults, 19 - 64 years of age:

Seasonal Flu Vaccine - Seasonal Flu vaccine is available. Please contact your doctor's office to schedule an appointment. For a summary of influenza vaccination recommendations for adults this flu season, please refer to the CDC's 2009-10 Influenza Prevention & Control Recommendations for seasonal flu

H1N1 Vaccine - Based on the CDC, supplies of the vaccines to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus are increasing and providers are encouraged to open up vaccination to anyone who wants it as soon as the needs of the initial prioritized populations have been met. Influenza is unpredictable but is expected to continue for months, caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses. Accordining to the CDC, this vaccine is the best way to protect against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus.

  • Pregnant Women: H1N1 vaccines are available to pregnant women through their OB/GYN office. Please contact your OB-GYN office to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine.
  • All adults are recommended to contact your doctor's office to schedule an appointment to receive the H1N1 vaccine. It is particularly important to receive the H1N1 vaccine if you are an adult with a medical condition that would put you at higher risk for influenza-related complications. To understand if you are at high risk for influenza-related complications, please refer to the CDC's webpage regarding People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications , or contact your doctor.

PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR UPDATES REGARDING FLU VACCINE AVAILABILITY