Vaccine Priority Groups
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, recommends several groups receive the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible:
Pregnant women and recently pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated. Note that pregnant women should not receive the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV (FluMist®)
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus.
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism among healthcare professionals could reduce healthcare system capacity.
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because there have been many cases of H1N1 flu in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because there have been many cases of H1N1 flu in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population.
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
More information on the H1N1 flu vaccination recommendations
- The CDC has ordered enough vaccine to protect everyone who wishes to be vaccinated. However, it takes time to bring vaccine production up to speed, and initially, the H1N1 flu vaccine will be available in limited quantities.
- In addition to the priority groups outlined above, the CDC has the following recommendations for adults with certain medical conditions such as cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes and several others:
Information About the Flu for People with Certain Medical Conditions
Adults with Asthma Should Receive Flu Vaccination
What Adults with HIV Infection Should Know About the H1N1 Flu
- In addition to the vaccine recommendations, the following clinical guidance is currently available:
10 FAQs for Immunization Programs and Providers
Use of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Influenza Vaccine in Pregnant Women
Interim Guidance for the Detection of Novel Influenza A Virus Using Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests
Dosage, Administration, and Storage
CDC Guidelines for Large-Scale Influenza Vaccination Clinic Planning
Antivirals drugs are prescription medications (pills, liquid or an inhaler). They can be used for prevention or treatment of flu viruses.
