Seasonal Influenza Vaccine FAQs
Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
Are Contractors eligible to receive the vaccine?
Does the seasonal influenza vaccine protect against the novel H1N1 influenza?
Where can I get the vaccine if I cannot get it here?
What is the best time of day to get the vaccine?
What if I can’t make it on my day?
What should I wear to make it easier to get the flu vaccine?
Who should not get the vaccine?
Does the vaccine contain thimerosal preservative?
If I have a cold, can I get the Flu vaccine?
If I am pregnant, can I get the Flu vaccine?
If I am on international travel for NIH, can I receive the vaccine before travel?
Am I protected right away when I get the Flu shot?
Why is the flu vaccine mandatory for NIH employees with patient contact?
Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
All NIH employees with valid ID.
Are Contractors eligible to receive the vaccine?
Contractors with direct patient contact can receive the vaccine this year. Contractors with direct patient contact must notify their Clinical or Institute director to be eligible for vaccination.
Does the seasonal influenza vaccine protect against the novel H1N1 influenza?
No. The seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against the novel H1N1 influenza. A separate vaccine to protect against the novel H1N1 influenza is in development.
Where can I get the vaccine if I cannot get it here?
Local health departments, grocery stores, pharmacies and urgent care clinics often provide flu vaccination programs. See the Division Occupational Health and Safety Website for more information.
What is the best time of day to get the shot?
To minimize waiting time, avoid receiving the shot during peak hours, which occur early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
What if I can’t make it on my day?
If you cannot come on your assigned day, you may show up on another day of the mass clinic. However, if there is a crowd, you will be asked to wait until we can serve those who are there on the correct day.
What should I wear to make it easier to get the flu shot?
The vaccine is administered in the upper arm, so wear short sleeves or clothing that allows for easy exposure of your upper arm/shoulder.
Who should not get the vaccine?
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician.
These include:
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
- People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
- Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)
- People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
Does the vaccine contain thimerosal preservative?
Yes. The vaccine does contain trace amounts (<1mcg of mercury) per 0.5ml dose.
If I have a cold, can I get the Flu vaccine?
Yes, as long as your symptoms are mild and you have no fever.
If I am pregnant, can I get the Flu shot?
Yes. Talk with your obstetrician first if you have any questions or concerns.
If I am on international travel for NIH, can I receive the vaccine before travel?
Yes, you will be offered the flu vaccine after you submit your travel immunization request form.
Am I protected right away when I get the Flu shot?
No, it takes several weeks for protection to develop.
Why is the flu vaccine mandatory for NIH employees with patient contact?
The Medical Executive Committee approved a policy in 2008 that requires all NIH employees with patient contact to be vaccinated for the flu or sign a declination form that explains the reason for not receiving the vaccine at the Clinical Center. Please read more about this in this 2008 Flu Memo 
.
Novel H1N1 Vaccine FAQs
When will the novel H1N1 vaccine be available to NIH employees?
Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
Are contractors eligible to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine?
Is the novel H1N1 vaccine mandatory for NIH employees with direct patient contact?
Where can I get the vaccine if I cannot get it here?
Does the novel H1N1 vaccine contain thimerosal preservative?
Is the novel H1N1 vaccine an experimental vaccine?
Who should not get the vaccine?
If I have a cold, can I get the novel H1N1 Flu shot?
If I am pregnant, can I get the novel H1N1 Flu shot?
Am I protected right away when I get the novel H1N1 flu shot?
When will the novel H1N1 vaccine be available to NIH employees?
Availability of the novel H1N1 vaccine is anticipated for late October or early November. Since the exact date and quantity is not known, there is no schedule available yet for NIH employees to receive the vaccine. Depending on quantity, the vaccine may not be available to all NIH employees.
Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
If the quantity of vaccine is limited, vaccination with be prioritized following federal guidelines. The groups that will receive priority will probably include pregnant women and healthcare workers with direct patient contact. Once priority groups are vaccinated, vaccination efforts will shift to the rest of the NIH workforce, based on vaccine availability.
Are contractors eligible to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine?
Contractors with direct patient contact can receive the vaccine this year. Contractors must notify their Clinical or Institute director to be eligible for vaccination.
Is the novel H1N1 vaccine mandatory for NIH employees with direct patient contact?
Yes. Those who choose not to be vaccinated must sign a declination form.
Where can I get the vaccine if I cannot get it here?
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. For more information see the CDC's State Contact page.
Does the novel H1N1 vaccine contain thimerosal preservative?
Yes. The novel H1N1 vaccine available to NIH will contain preservative.
Is the novel H1N1 vaccine an experimental vaccine?
No. Although this is the first time this flu strain has been included in a vaccine, the vaccine is being produced in the same way as the current seasonal flu vaccine.
Who should not get the vaccine?
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician.
These include:
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
- People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
- Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)
- People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
If I have a cold, can I get the novel H1N1 Flu shot?
Yes, as long as your symptoms are mild and you have no fever.
If I am pregnant, can I get the novel H1N1 Flu shot?
Yes. Talk with your obstetrician first if you have any questions or concerns.
Am I protected right away when I get the novel H1N1 flu shot?
No. It takes two weeks to develop protection following receipt of a flu shot.
