Pregnant Women

H1N1 influenza virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with H1N1 flu virus.

Spread of H1N1 flu virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching a surface or an object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

Recommendation: Pregnant women receive 1 dose of thimerasol-free H1N1 flu vaccine in injection form.

• If you or your child has a chronic medical condition, please check with your doctor/pediatrician before receiving H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Children under 10 years of age are recommended to receive 2 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine; these doses will be scheduled 21-28 days apart.
• If you have received a seasonal flu shot or flu mist this year, know the date you received it (to receive both types of flu mist – seasonal and H1N1 – there must be a four week time period between the two mists).
• If you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of the seasonal flu shot, you will not be able to receive H1N1 flu vaccine.
• You will not be able to receive H1N1 flu vaccine if you have a fever of 100.5° F or more.
• You cannot receive H1N1 flu vaccine if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs; please tell the clinician if you have any other severe allergies.
• If you’ve ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), you can not receive H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Please dress appropriately to receive an H1N1 flu vaccine injection:
  • Persons 3 years of age and older – the clinician needs to have easy access to the upper arm.
  • Children under 3 years of age – the clinician needs to have easy access to the upper thigh.
• Please attend the appropriate clinic site and time for you and/or family.

H1N1 flu vaccine is available at your local OB/GYN’s office. Please contact your OB/GYN to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine:

• Dr. Carrie Carda
• Dr. Michael Hoja
• Dr. Donald Jones
• Dr. Farrah McSpadden
• Dr. John Patty

Please click on the following:

• H1N1 Flu Vaccine Q&A
• Pregnant Women Q&A

Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)

• 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine- injection (inactivated)
• 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine- nasal spray (live, attenuated)

2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick