Alright, what's the Deal with Flu Shots?

Alright, what's the Deal with Flu Shots?

I found out today that not only can I not get the H1N1 shot, I can't even get the Seasonal flu shot!  I already knew that I did not qualify for the H1N1 because I am a healthy adult aged between 25 and 64 without health issues.  Normally, I think this a good thing.  Apparently, there is not only a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine but also a shortage of the seasonal flu shot in Vermont.  Feeling defeated, I decided to do some research on the web to figure out what is going on.  Then I decided to try and put everything in one place - thus my Active Rain blog.

H1N1 - per Centers for Disease Contral and Prevention

• Who should Get It?
  Pregnant women
  People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
  Health care and emergency medical personnel
  Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age
  Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.
  As more vaccine becomes available, these groups should also be vaccinated:
  Healthy 25 through 64 year olds
  Adults 65 years and older
• Link to the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Document - Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Below is a great Chart by the South Dakota Dept. of Health:

Where do you Get It? 

The answer is not easy because sometimes clinics are posted but they may be by appointment only or they may run out of vaccines.  In Vermont, the Vermont Department of Health has posted a list of clinics searchable by geographic location.  Click on the image below to go to their web site:

How do you deal with H1N1?

Where is the H1N1 virus Geographically?  I found this great map that appears to be kept up on a somewhat regular basis.

The last piece of information I needed to complete for this source of data was a Chart showing the differences between a COLD, the SEASONAL FLU and the H1N1 FLU.  Many say that there are not many differences between the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, but this chart may help one trying to decide which illness they have.  Of course, a Doctor is the best resource!

Even though I can't receive any flu shots, I learned a lot.  Maybe you did too!

So, stay healthy!