H1N1 Influenza (flu) Vaccinations

Free H1N1 vaccinations (shots) are now being offered to the general public, including people 65 years of age and older.

Some people are strongly encouraged to get the H1N1 flu shot -- see bottom of page for a full list.

Guidelines for children

• Babies under 6 months are not eligible for flu shots, as their immune system is too immature for the shot to be effective.
• Healthy children aged 3 - 9 years of age need only one H1N1 shot, if they get adjuvanted vaccine as recommended.  However, this recommendation may change.  Please check here for updates.
• Children aged 10 and up need only one shot.
• Some children need two H1N1 shots, 21 days apart.  If your child is in one of the following groups, please check the date of their first shot and bring them back in 21 days:
  • ALL children 6 months - 3 years of age
  • Children aged 3 - 9 with chronic health conditions (see bottom of page)
  • Children aged 3 - 9 who received unadjuvanted vaccine for their first H1N1 shot

When and where to get your flu shot

Note: Clinic dates and times may change based on vaccine availability.  Please check here often for updates.

Can't make it to a public clinic?

Some doctors also offer influenza shots- please check with their office to see if they provide this service.

Looking for a seasonal influenza shot?

Are you normally eligible for free seasonal influenza and pneumococcal vaccines? If so, you can get them at the same time as your H1N1 shot - ask the nurse when you go for your H1N1 shot.

Groups who are strongly recommended to get the vaccine

The H1N1 vaccine is strongly recommended for the following groups of people, and for those who take care of them:

• Pregnant women
• Children 6 - 59 months of age
• Residents of remote and isolated settings or communities
• Household contacts and care providers of people whose immune systems are weakened or suppressed (due to underlying diseases or treatments such as chemotherapy)
• Health-care workers
• Household contacts and care providers of babies less than 6 months old
• Children and adults with chronic health conditions including:
  • cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma)

  • diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases

  • cancer, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy)

  • renal disease

  • anemia or hemoglobinopathy

  • conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration

  • children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid