Tennessee Valley H1N1 Vaccine Clinics

Here is a List of the H1N1 vaccine clinics being held across the Tennesse Valley.

[Amanda]

Does anyone know about the boosters? My 3-year-old son received his first H1N1 flu mist almost 4 weeks ago. The CDC says a booster is needed 4 weeks later, but the ped's office told me (twice) they weren't giving boosters, due to the shortage. The first person told me the initial mist gave 95% protection; the next one told me 80-85%. What the...?
Also: Does one have to live in the county where the vaccinations are being given? And if the initial dose is a mist, does the booster need to be a mist?
I've checked the CDC site (although not recently) about these questions, and will check again.

[WHNT Webmaster]

Amanda,

I went to the Madison County Health Department a few weeks ago with my children. We did have to fill out a form with our address, but they didn't really say we had to be Madison County residents (which we are).

You might just want to call the health department. I honestly don't think it will matter.. but please call before you go, just in case I'm wrong.

I think they honestly want as many people to get the shot to prevent the spread of the virus - so that's the primary goal.

[Amanda]

Thanks! I spoke with the main doc yesterday, and he says they're extrapolating, based on the regular flu vaccine, and guessing that the H1N1 intial mist gives 85-90% protection (yet another difference in percentage!), like the regular flu mist. He said the shots were different, that the regular flu shot gives about 50% protection. So I'm thinking maybe we're OK... I may still call the health department (again). I couldn't get through yesterday; it was the Max Luther location, though,and maybe there's another one. Thanks so much, again.

[same all over]

It's the same here in california...I went yesterday and they said they weren't giving out the booster because of the shortage. I asked how effective is it? The answer I got was partially. I don't think anyone knows the real answer.

[Amanda]

Sorry I didn't post about this earlier! I finally learned from the CDC that it's OK to mix types of the vaccine, i.e., if your child first received the nasal mist (LAIV), it's OK for him or her to receive an injection as a booster -- and vice-versa.
It took the CDC person about a half-hour to find the info, herself; this was a couple of weeks ago. The info is on the website, in the response to the 9th of "Top 10 FAQ" somewhere.