H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update

Lakeside Community Healthcare Patients: We have the H1N1 vaccine in stock. We encourage all patients to get vaccinated, regardless of risk group.


LA County H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Schedule

Clarifying H1N1 Flu Vaccine Safety Concerns

There is much misinformation and confusion regarding the H1N1 flu vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine is similar to the seasonal flu vaccine, which is also an essentially new vaccine almost every year. The seasonal flu vaccine is made with new strains of flu during most years. Had the H1N1 been identified as a threat a few months earlier, the strain would have been included in the regular seasonal flu vaccine. The flu vaccine has been used for many years and has a proven safety record. It goes through clinical testing every year before the season starts before it is approved for release to the public.

The same has been true for the H1N1 vaccine. It has also been through the clinical trials (both in adults and children) and in addition it has been administered to all of the armed forces. No corners have been cut at all. The H1N1 vaccine is being produced exactly the same way that the seasonal flu vaccines are produced, with exactly the same careful oversight. The clinical trials have not found any red flags in terms of safety. No serious side effects have been noted and mild side effects have been similar to the regular Flu vaccine.

Many people believe they can get the flu from the vaccine, which is NOT true. The vaccine is given during a time where there are a lot of viral illnesses in the community, so some may coincidentally get sick around the time they get the vaccine, others may have mild side effects such as low grade fever and malaise for 1 to 2 days.

Remember, this vaccination is your best protection against contracting the H1N1 flu!