I am a Penn student. How can I get the H1N1 vaccine?

Students in the following priority groups should attend one of the scheduled special clinics listed below to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

• Penn students 24 years of age and younger
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, including healthcare students with clinical obligations
• Students at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
• Pregnant students
• Students who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

Special Clinics

Friday, November 6 10am—3pm ARCH

Friday, November 13 10am—3pm ARCH

Friday, November 20 10am—3pm ARCH

All vaccine clinics will be held in the Arts, Research, and Culture House (The ARCH) at the corner of 36th Street and Locust Walk (students should use the Locust Walk entrance). Students will be asked to present Penn ID to receive vaccine. There is no charge associated with the vaccine or the clinic. No appointment is necessary.

I am a Penn faculty/staff member. How can I get the H1N1 vaccine?

Information about 2009 H1N1 vaccine for Penn faculty and staff will be available soon. Please see http://www.hr.upenn.edu/Quality/Wellness/FluShots.aspx for ongoing updates.

Why should I take the H1N1 vaccine?

Vaccination is your best protection against contracting the flu. You need two vaccines to be fully protected this year. The seasonal flu vaccine is different from the H1N1 flu vaccine. The CDC is encouraging people to get both vaccinations.

I have already had the flu this year. Should I get the H1N1 vaccine?

Most people recommended for 2009 H1N1 vaccination should be vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine regardless of whether they had a flu-like illness earlier in the year.

The symptoms of influenza (flu-like illnesses) are similar to those caused by many other viruses. Even when influenza viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses. Specific testing, called “RT-PCR test,” is needed to tell if an illness is caused by a specific influenza strain or by some other virus. This test is different from rapid flu tests that doctors can do in their offices.

Since most people with flu-like illnesses will not be tested with RT-PCR this season, the majority will not know whether they have been infected with 2009 H1N1 flu or a different virus.

If you have had 2009 H1N1 flu, as confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should have some immunity against 2009 H1N1 flu and can choose not to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. However, vaccination of a person with some existing immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be harmful.

I got the seasonal vaccine. Do I need to get the H1N1 vaccine as well?

The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine are separate vaccinations. A seasonal vaccine is distributed routinely every year. The H1N1 flu vaccine has been developed and produced for the 2009 flu season.

The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu and the H1N1 flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Each protects against a different virus and is intended to be used along-side the other.

Community members are encouraged to get both vaccines as soon as possible.

Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?

The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is expected to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines.

Any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot is given. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical attention right away.

I am a Penn student. Can my spouse or domestic partner get the H1N1 vaccine?

Yes! Spouses or domestic partners who are accompanied by the student can get the H1N1 vaccine at the special immunization clinics if: 1) the spouse or domestic partner is already registered with Student Health having previously been a patient or enrolled in the Penn Student Insurance Plan; or 2) they have a guest PennCard reflecting spouse or domestic partner status. If the spouse or domestic partner does not have a PennCard, they must first obtain one.