H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic Information 

Priority Groups Vaccinated First

While vaccine is limited, Columbus Public Health is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defined priority groups.    

Clinic-by-Clinic Basis for Who is Vaccinated

Which risk group is being served is on a clinic-by-clinic basis, so please check the details of that particular clinic. Additional clinics will be offered for other priority groups, and then to non-priority groups as soon as local public health receives more vaccine. No shortage is expected, so eventually everyone should be able to be vaccinated.

Types of H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Nasal spray (made with live, weakened flu virus) should be used only in healthy people 2-49 years of age, who are not pregnant. The nasal spray is safe for healthy women after delivery, even if they are nursing.

Flu Shot (injectable, made with killed flu virus) should be used for: 

• pregnant women
• children 6 months until 2 years of age and adults 50 years and older
• anyone with a weakened immune system
• anyone with health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
• children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing during the past year
• children and adolescents 2-17 years of age on long-term aspirin therapy

Timing of Seasonal Flu Mist and H1N1 Flu Mist 

If a healthy person (age 2-49) prefers the nasal spray for both seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines, these vaccines should be separated by at least 28 days.

Number of Doses of H1N1 Flu Vaccine Needed

• Adults and children 10 years and older: one dose 
• Children 6 months - 9 years:  two doses 
• First dose should being given as soon as vaccine becomes available. Second dose should be given 28 days or later. There is no time limit between the two doses, but the sooner the second dose is given, the sooner the child will be protected.

Find Clinic Locations 

• http://www.ColumbusPandemicFlu.org
• Franklin County and Columbus Flu Hotline -- 2-1-1 (221-2255)
• Facebook – www.facebook.com and search Columbus Flu Info
• Twitter – www.twitter.com/ColumbusFluInfo
• Subscribe to e-health alerts
• Check with your healthcare provider – some will be offering 
• Check with your local pharmacy – some will be offering for adults and children over 12 years old

Cost

H1N1 flu vaccines will be free at public health-based clinics. Other locations such as retail pharmacies may charge a small fee (under $15) for vaccine administration.

Please Do Not Attend Clinic if Sick

If you or your child have signs of flu-like illness, please do not attend the clinic. Signs include fever, cough, sore throat, headache runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills and sweats.