Well, it’s that time of the year again… the flu shots are here.  Check with your doctor’s office to get your seasonal flu vaccine.  Remember, this in NOT the same as the H1N1 flu vaccine.

The usual seasonal flu vaccine is now available.  If you are someone who normally needs the flu shot, call your doctor’s office for your flu shot.  Usually, young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with certain chronic medical conditions like lung diseases (asthma, COPD) or heart disease or diabetes and healthcare workers should get the seasonal flu shot.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is not yet available but you should check in with your doctor’s office in the next month when they become available.  The targeted risk group is different so ask your doctor if you qualify.  For now, it looks like the H1N1 flu vaccine will be reserved for children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years of age, those caring for infants 6 months or younger, pregnant women, healthcare and emergency medical workers, and those 25-64 years with chronic medical conditions.  Check out the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most up to date recommendations.

Remember that the H1N1 flu vaccine does not take the place of the regular flu vaccine.  Some people will qualify for both vaccines.  Ask your doctor for more information .

Tags: Influenza, Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, Influenza vaccine