H1N1 Vaccine Update

August 2009-- Due to the interest regarding the H1N1 vaccine, Passport Health has put together a collection of the recent CDC updates for our clients. Please take a moment and read the information below.

1. The H1N1 vaccine’s projected release date is mid-October to mid-November (This is NOT definite. It can be out as late as December as it is currently in the testing phase)

2. The H1N1 vaccine is going to be a two shots series. The second shot can be administered 28 days after the first shot is given. The seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine can be given at the same time as far as we know.

3. The BEST protection against the flu is the seasonal influenza shot. The CDC is recommending vaccinating early and often. We are booking flu clinics as early as September.

4. Passport Health is NOT recommending companies wait to hold a flu clinic until the H1N1 vaccine is released as the release date is uncertain. Additionally, Passport Health believes the seasonal flu vaccine is the best protection you can receive against the H1N1 virus until the release of the vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine will only be specific to the H1N1 virus; it will not protect you from the seasonal flu so skipping the seasonal flu shot will not be in your best interest.

5. The CDC has recommendations on who should receive the H1N1 vaccine first which include, pregnant women, caregivers of <6mo, healthcare workers, adults 19-24 and those 25-64 who have a chronic illness. Most healthy employees do not fit this criterion and therefore should not skip the seasonal flu. Again, it will be the best protection against the flu and H1N1 until they are allowed to receive the H1N1 vaccine.


6. There has been no confirmed price for the H1N1 vaccine.

Please be aware that Passport Health intends to administer the vaccine as a community vaccinator should the government release the H1N1 vaccine to private vendors.

For more information regarding the H1N1 virus and H1N1 vaccine, please visit the Passport Health website at www.passporthealthusa.com/files/PDF/NOVARTIS.pdf

If you have not set up your flu clinic already please contact you nearest Passport Health location or call 888-499-7277. You will be the first to know once we receive any new information.