Question 2: I have a chronic health condition, can I get the vaccine? 

If you have any of the following conditions you should get the vaccine as soon as possible.  For other conditions please contact your doctor.

• heart or lung disorders (including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia), 
• diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases, 
• cancer, 
• immunodeficiency, 
• immunosuppression (due to disease and/or treatments), 
• kidney disease, 
• anemia and hemoglobinopathy, 
• problems with swallowing that put a person at increased risk of aspiration

Question 3: If I am sick can I get the H1N1 vaccine?

You can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness (e.g. a mild cold). If you have a severe illness (like pneumonia) then you should not get the vaccine. 

Question 4: I have an egg allergy, should I get the H1N1 vaccine?

Contact your allergist or family doctor if you have a serious egg allergy (anaphylaxis) to ask if you should get the vaccine.  

Questions 5: I’m pregnant, and I would like to know if the adjuvanted vaccine is safe for me to receive?

Both adjuvanted and unadjuvanted vaccines are approved by Health Canada and are safe for pregnant women.

As of November 5 2009, Hamilton Public Health Services will offer either vaccine to any pregnant woman. 

The advantage of the adjuvanted vaccine is that it produces an immune response more quickly.

The advantage of the unadjuvanted vaccine is that there is more data about its use in pregnancy.

All data that we have indicates that both are safe.

Vaccination protects both the mother and the baby from influenza.  

Question 6: What are the side effects of the H1N1 vaccine? When would I seek medical care if I am experiencing side effects?

Serious effects from the vaccine are very rare. Most people have no problems after receiving an influenza vaccine. As with the seasonal influenza vaccine, it is expected that most side effects will be mild, will not last long and will go away on their own.

Possible side effects are:

• Pain and swelling where the injection is given 
• Tiredness
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches
• Children may have a mild fever, be tired and irritable and do not want to eat

If you experience the following please seek immediate medical attention:

• Allergic reactions like hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and mouth. 

Other rare side effects known to occur include:

• Muscle paralysis  
• Red eyes, cough, wheezing, and/or swelling of the face

If these side effects occur, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Question 7:  When will everyone else get vaccinated?

As of November 16, the vaccine is available to the general public.
People should check the with their family doctor, walk-in clinic or make an appointment with Public Health Services (905) 540-5250.

Question 8: How were the clinic sites in Hamilton chosen?

We are no longer hosting mass immunization clinics. Please check with your family doctor, walk-in clinic or make an appointment with Public Health Services at (905) 540-5250.

Question 9: I have received a letter from my child’s school reporting an H1N1 outbreak.  Should I keep my healthy child home?

Children should continue to attend school. There are no restrictions for people who are feeling well. Children should be encouraged to:

• wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub
• cough into their sleeve
• avoid sharing personal items such as food or lip balm

Schools are telling parents to keep sick children at home. Schools have been advised to separate sick children from other children, until they can be released home.  Here is a brochure which was sent to schools at the beginning of the school year: http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/documents/H1N1Brochure.pdf

Question 10: What are schools doing following a confirmed outbreak?

The school works closely with Public Health Services to implement the following:

• If children or staff are ill at school, with respiratory symptoms such as a cough or a fever, they are separated from the rest of the students and sent home. They need to stay at home until their fever has gone away for 24 hours and they are feeling better. 
• Sinks are stocked with soap and paper towels and alcohol based hand rub is available where sinks are not available (for example, in portable classrooms) 
• Signs are posted in all school entryways to inform people that an outbreak is occurring 
• Increased cleaning is advised for the schools 
• Events involving large gatherings of students may be cancelled. Contact the school.