On Medical side of things.

Q. What are the plans for developing novel H1N1 vaccine?

A. Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of
influenza, and the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers
to take steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine.
Working together with scientists in the public and private sector, CDC
has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified the virus so that it can be
used to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine
manufacturers are now using these materials to begin vaccine production.
Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to
complete. Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the
few months.

Q. When is it expected that the novel H1N1 vaccine will be available?

A. The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More
specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability
depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed
to conduct clinical trials



Q. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1
flu?

A. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the novel
H1N1 flu.

Q. Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the
same time?

A. Clinical trial results will be necessary to confirm that novel H1N1
and seasonal vaccine will be safe and effective if given at the same
time. We expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the
H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to
cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get
their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

Q. Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the novel H1N1
vaccine?

A. Based on what we're currently seeing with respect to the virus and
epidemiologic data, states, communities, and health care providers
should begin planning strategies for how they will vaccinate younger
people (children and younger adults), pregnant women, healthcare
personnel, and people who have underlying health conditions. The
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and other federal
advisory bodies will continue to monitor the virus and review
epidemiologic data over the summer. We'll be looking to the ACIP and
other stakeholders, as well as the public, as we move forward in our
planning. It is possible that vaccine priority groups will differ from
earlier guidance as more data becomes available however it's very
important for planning to continue based on information currently
available.

Q. Where will the vaccine be available?


A. Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine will be
available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics
organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices,
schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.

Q. Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?

A. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home
from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting
them.



Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds
and other social distancing measures. These measures will continue to be
important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can
prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

Q. What about the use of antivirals to treat novel H1N1 infection?

A. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an
inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from
reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your
illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent
serious flu complications. This fall, antivirals may be prioritized for
persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu
complications.