I think my child has H1N1. What should I do?
Review the symptoms of H1N1 and the guidance provided by the Minnesota Department of Health when symptoms occur.

Can my children and I get the H1N1 vaccine today?
Yes, if you are identified as a high-risk patient. We are contacting Fairview patients who should get the vaccine first as our supply arrives.

Who gets the vaccine and who doesn’t?
Fairview—and all other care providers—are following the guidelines created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They have identified the individuals who should get the vaccine first. They are:
• Women who are pregnant
• People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months
• Children from 6 months up to 5 years old
• Children and teens from 5 to 18 years old who have a chronic disease or weak immune system

Do I only have to get one shot?
Yes, older children and adults only need one shot. However children through the age of nine years should get two shots of the vaccine, one month apart.

What about seniors? Shouldn’t they get the H1N1 shot? They are a high priority group for seasonal flu.
The groups of people who seem to experience more complications from H1N1 are pregnant woman and children. This is different than seasonal flu, which is more of a concern to older adults.

How will you contact me?
Following the CDC guidelines, we’re looking at our patient lists to determine who should receive the vaccine first. If you or your children are one of these patients, you will receive a letter from us. You should also continue to check our website fairview.org/flu for future updates.

How will I know if my children or I are a high-risk patient who should get the vaccine?
Fairview will send you a letter to tell you if you or your children are identified as high-risk patients who should get the vaccine. The letter will include instructions on when and where to get vaccinated.

If my children and I are in the high-risk group and receive a letter, should we get the vaccine?
Yes. One of the best ways to protect yourself and reduce the spread of H1N1 is to get vaccinated. Along with the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health, we strongly recommend that those at high risk be vaccinated for H1N1 flu.

Will we need appointments to get the vaccine?
Yes, a short H1N1 flu shot appointment will be required. Fairview will send you a letter when the H1N1 vaccine arrives if you or your children are identified as high-risk patients who should get the vaccine. The letter will include instructions on where to call to make an appointment.

Can I make my appointment today?
Yes, if you are identified as a high-risk patient. We are contacting Fairview patients who should get the vaccine first as our supply arrives.

Will there be enough vaccine for all high-risk patients?
We are unsure at this time. We are waiting for more information from the Minnesota Department of Health. Keep checking fairview.org/flu for more information.

Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
Yes, however we currently have a limited supply of seasonal flu shots to administer so we will be giving high-risk patients H1N1 shots now. Patients can then come back later in the season when more seasonal flu vaccine arrives to receive their seasonal flu shot. You should check fairview.org/flu for frequent updates.