Q Where can I get the vaccine?
A Call your doctor to find out when he or she expects to receive the vaccine from the state. If your doctor hasn't registered to receive it, he or she can sign up at www.calpanflu.org. Safeway and other pharmacies will be offering the vaccine as soon as they get it, in nasal spray and shots, probably within the next two weeks. Safeway says it plans to charge $30, with group discounts available; other pharmacies, like CVS, haven't publicized their fee.
Q Who should be vaccinated against swine flu?
A Eventually, everyone, except for people who have the same allergies - primarily, allergy to eggs - that make annual flu shots dangerous for them. But for now, the first vaccine batches are reserved for those most at-risk: health care and emergency workers; pregnant women; people caring for infants younger than 6 months old; people 6 months to 24 years old; and anyone younger than 65 who has a weakened immune system or such medical conditions as asthma, diabetes or morbid obesity. As more vaccines are made, healthy adults ages 25 and up should be vaccinated, too.
Q What if I'm not in a high-risk group, but still want to get the vaccine? Do I have to wait?
A Safeway spokeswoman Susan Houghton said that while "we want to remind people there is a priority order, we're not going to be the vaccine police."
Q What if I've already had the swine flu, or flulike symptoms since spring? Should I be vaccinated?
A If you were ill but do not know for sure whether you had the H1N1 infection, you should get vaccinated if your doctor recommends it. If you have had H1N1 flu, as confirmed by a test, you should have some immunity against it and can choose to skip the vaccine. However, it's not harmful to vaccinate someone who already has some existing immunity to the virus.
Q Which vaccine, the nasal spray or shot, is appropriate for which populations?
A Nasal spray gives excellent protection and is easier for those afraid of needles. But it should not be given to pregnant women, children younger than 2, adults 50 and older, anyone with asthma or wheezing, or anyone with health problems such as depressed immunity; diseases of the heart, lungs, liver or kidneys; diabetes; anemia; or difficulty swallowing or breathing. Those groups should get vaccination shots instead, with the exception of babies under 6 months who are too small to get any vaccine at all.
Q How many doses are necessary?
A Only children younger than 9 will need two doses. If they have had previous flu shots, their pediatricians may decide only one is needed.
Q If I receive a seasonal flu vaccine, do I also need a swine flu vaccine?
A Yes. Swine flu vaccine does not protect against seasonal flu, and vice versa.
Q Can I get both vaccinations at the same time?
A Yes, if they are given by needle. You should not get both of the nasal spray forms at the same time.
Q Can I get the flu from a flu shot?
A No. But you may have side effects that resemble a mild cold, including fever, aches and nausea. You could also catch a separate cold or flu that the shot does not protect against.
Q If factories are still racing vaccine out the door, how can I be sure it's safe?
A The Food and Drug Administration clears batches of vaccine before they're released. The H1N1 vaccine is made in the same way as the regular winter flu vaccine that is used by nearly 100 million Americans a year with very few, minor side effects. There's no biological reason the H1N1 vaccine should react any differently, and no red flags have appeared in studies of several thousand people.
Q What will it cost?
A The H1N1 vaccine itself is free because the government bought it with your tax dollars. But providers can charge a fee for administering it, usually about $20. Regular flu shots tend to cost as much as $35.
