The Vaccine

There is a vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 virus. It is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Those 10 years of age and older only need one dose to achieve immunity.  Those less than 10 years of age (6 months – 9 years old) need two doses at least four weeks apart to achieve immunity.

The vaccine comes in two basic forms: the injectable form (shot) and the intranasal form (FluMist®).  The injectable form contains dead H1N1 virus and can be administered to anyone over the age of six months (unless they are allergic to one of its components, such as eggs).  The intranasal form (FluMist®) contains an attenuated (or weakened) version of the live H1N1 virus and can therefore only be administered to healthy people between 2 and 49 who are not pregnant.

Missouri state law did require that children under three years of age and pregnant women only be administered flu vaccine without preservative (Thimerosal); however, that law has been temporarily waived. There is simply not enough preservative-free vaccine available to meet the need. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) has stated that vaccine containing the preservative is safe for everyone (click here for the CDC information on vaccine preservative).

Vaccine Distribution

The health department has been distributing the H1N1 vaccine to pharmacies at Schnucks, Shop ‘N Save, Walgreens, and Walmart. To find one of these pharmacies, use one of the store locators below. It is recommended that you contact a specific pharmacy before visiting to make sure that it has vaccine in stock as supplies are limited.

In addition to the pharmacies listed above, the health department has been working with OB/GYNs, pediatricians, internists, public and private schools, daycare centers, clinics, hospitals, and emergency responder agencies to distribute the vaccine. Pregnant women should contact their OB/GYN and parents and guardians of children should contact their children’s pediatrician