CDC Issues Recommendations for Use of Novel H1N1 Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee has issued recommendations on who should receive the vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1) when it becomes available.  The Committee has also provided guidelines with respect to which population groups must be prioritized to receive the vaccine if it is initially available in extremely limited quantities.  The guidelines issued recommend that vaccination efforts focus on 5 key populations:

1.  Pregnant women

2.  People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

3.  Health care and emergency services personnel

4.  Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and

5.  People from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

The population groups outlined above total approximately 159 million people in the U.S.  Although a shortage in the supply of the novel H1N1 vaccine is not expected, it is believed that initially the availability of – and demand for – the vaccine may be unpredictable.  For this reason, the Committee has provided additional guidelines in the event the vaccine is available in limited quantities, especially initially, and has recommended that in such a case the following groups receive the vaccine before others:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency services personnel with direct patient contact
• Children 6 months through 4 years of age, and
• Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

It has been further recommended that once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met at the local level, providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years.

In light of the above guidelines, the most frequent question seems to be one that expresses concern as to whether the novel H1N1 vaccine is meant to replace the seasonal flu vaccine.  The answer to that question is:  The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine; rather, it is intended to be used alongside the seasonal flu vaccine.  Further, CDC guidelines state that both vaccines may be administered on the same day.

Individuals dealing with specific conditions such as Cardiovascular disease or HIV infection, and groups that may have special needs such as clinicians, child-care providers, etc. should refer to the following key resources for valuable additional information. 

Resources/Further Information:

Read the full CDC Press Release

H1N1 Flu – Important information for specific groups

Information on Antiviral drugs; Self and patient care in the event of an H1N1 infection.