The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced 2009 H1N1 vaccinations are now available to all Iowans. IDPH continues to encourage those at highest risk of complications to make sure they are vaccinated.
If you have a flu-related question, please call our hotline toll free at 1-800-447-1985.
Two types of flu—seasonal flu and H1N1—are circulating this year. Protecting against both of them requires two vaccinations. The H1N1 flu requires a separate vaccination. The vaccine for one flu does not protect against the other flu. Most people should plan to get both flu vaccinations.
Some groups are more likely to have complications from the seasonal flu. These include:
The benefits of immunization outweigh the risks. All vaccines, including the H1N1 vaccine, are held to the highest standards of safety and are continually monitored.
Each year, millions of Americans safely receive seasonal flu vaccines. The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way as seasonal flu vaccine by the same companies that make seasonal flu vaccine. The National Institutes of Health has conducted clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine has been tested and safely used in children, pregnant woman, and adults.
The H1N1 vaccine can prevent serious illness or even death, particularly for those who seem most vulnerable to the H1N1 flu. Not getting vaccinated could result in disease or putting others, such as babies or people with cancer, at serious risk for illness. If you care for a young baby it’s important that you get vaccinated so you can protect them.
For additional information:
Contact the toll-free Influenza Hotline at 1-800-447-1985, or
Use the "Contact Us" page to submit questions online.