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H1N1 frequently
asked questions
(FAQs)
Since the identification of the H1N1 strain of influenza in the U.S., MinuteClinic has been here to help provide the information and services you need to keep your family safe and healthy. Please check this page often for updates on the H1N1 virus and vaccine.

Find locations offering H1N1 flu vaccine
Frequently asked questions
What is H1N1 flu?
H1N1 flu, previously called swine flu, is a new influenza virus affecting people across the globe. This new virus first appeared in the United States in April 2009 and continues to spread from person-to-person. Those under the age of 25 and pregnant women (as well as a few other high-risk groups) have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as most affected by the H1N1 strain of influenza.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal influenza. These may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with both seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza.
Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me from H1N1 flu?
The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. The CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine. MinuteClinic offers flu shots while supplies last, with no appointment necessary.
Is MinuteClinic offering the H1N1 vaccine?
Yes, MinuteClinic is offering the H1N1 vaccine at select locations once supply is delivered by state and local governments. Please visit our site often for locations offering the H1N1 vaccine.
Is there a cost associated with the H1N1 vaccine?
H1N1 flu shots are offered for a $15 administration fee with no additional cost for the vaccine itself. This administration fee may be covered by insurance. Please check with your insurance provider for more information.
Who should receive the H1N1 vaccine once it becomes available?
The CDC recommends only certain high-risk groups receive the H1N1 vaccine unless otherwise indicated by state governments. These groups include:

  • Pregnant women
  • People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
  • Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years (MinuteClinic vaccinates 18 months and older; 24 months in Massachusetts)
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
  • People ages 25 – 64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
Is it true I should receive both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 vaccine?
The CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. MinuteClinic offers flu shots while supplies last, with no appointment necessary.
Is the H1N1 vaccine administered in one or two doses?
For the newly approved vaccines, children under 10 years of age will need two doses. The second dose will be given 4 weeks after the first dose. People 10 years and above only require one dose.
Do I still need to receive the H1N1 vaccine if I've already had the H1N1 flu?
Yes. According to the CDC, a person who has already had H1N1 or is currently infected with H1N1 virus does not mean they do not need vaccination. If the person fits into one of the identified priority groups listed above, he/she will still need the H1N1 vaccine.
Can MinuteClinic test for seasonal and H1N1 Influenza?
MinuteClinic provides rapid flu testing services for all types of influenza when medically appropriate. A rapid flu test to check for influenza can be performed at MinuteClinic, but it can't distinguish the H1N1 flu strain specifically. The test - using a simple nasal swab - takes about ten minutes and results are available immediately.
Can MinuteClinic treat the H1N1 flu?
Treatment with influenza antiviral drugs is generally not needed for most people in good health.

The CDC has asked healthcare providers to use antiviral medicines only for people who have risks of getting very sick from the flu in order to keep the H1N1 virus from becoming resistant to the medicine. Persons at high risk for complications include:

  • Children under 2 years of age
  • Adults 65 years of age or older
  • Those with certain chronic conditions, such as lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, neuromuscular or neurologic disease, and diabetes mellitus
  • Those who suffer from compromised immune systems
  • Pregnant women
  • Children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

Our masters prepared nurse practitioners and physician assistants follow the CDC recommendations and can write prescriptions for antiviral medicine when medically appropriate.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, you should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) If your illness is severe or you are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical care.
How can I help prevent the seasonal and H1N1 flu?
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze. An alcohol based hand sanitizer can also be used.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and discard of the tissue in the trash.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs can spread easily that way.
  • Avoid contact with those who are sick as influenza is thought to be mainly spread from person-to-person through coughing and sneezing of those who are infected.
  • If you're sick, stay home from school or work to keep others from getting infected.
What are the warning signs if I get sick that I should seek emergency medical care?
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
News:
Pandemic influenza vaccine manufacturing process and timeline:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes
/h1n1_vaccine_20090806/en/index.html
Safety of pandemic vaccines:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes
/h1n1_safety_vaccines_20090805/en/index.html
Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Information for Specific Groups
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/groups.htm
Additional resources

Flu center

H1N1 vaccine locations
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