2009 H1N1 VACCINE ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is made by the same processes and by the same companies that make the seasonal influenza vaccine. In the studies so far, the 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been as safe as the seasonal influenza vaccine. After any vaccine a person may experience symptoms, side effects or reactions. These may be common to the vaccine, not recognized before, or completely unrelated to the vaccine. However, it is important to watch for and report any possible reactions to any vaccine.

All health care providers who administer vaccine should report any symptoms, side effects or reactions that happened after someone gets a vaccine. In the United States health care providers use the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to report possible reactions that occur after vaccination.

In Summit County, anyone who receives a 2009 H1N1 vaccination and has had an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, wheezing, hives, swelling, fainting) should contact 911 immediately to be seen at an emergency department. For less serious symptoms, side effects or reactions, a person should call his/her physician. The physician can file a report through VAERS. The person can also call the Akron Health Department Flu Hotline at 330-375-2876 and hit option “3”. The person should leave a message with his/her name and telephone number. The messages will be monitored daily. A nurse will then call the person, get the necessary information about the vaccination and the reaction and complete the VAERS form.