HHS HealthBeat (November 9, 2009)

The H1N1 difference

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Around this time of year, you hear people talking about getting vaccinated against the flu. This year, they’re talking about getting vaccinated against two flu’s. We have seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1.

Flu expert Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

[Dr. Anne Schuchat speaks] "Seasonal flu viruses change a little bit year to year, but not so much. And this new H1N1 virus is so different that we don’t think the general population is protected against it. And we’re taking extra steps to offer protection."

H1N1 vaccine is being phased in, with those more at risk of 2009 H1N1 being offered the chance to be first in line. But there’s no priority group-style waiting system for seasonal flu vaccine, so anyone can get it.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011