The Vaccine

There is a vaccine for the new H1N1 virus. 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 because of the current flu pandemic.  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).

Vaccination Priority Groups

Because the initial supply of vaccine was quite limited, certain segments of the population were offered the vaccine first, based on risk factors. However, now that the vaccine is available in greater quantities, those guidelines have been lifted. The vaccine for the H1N1 flu is now recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Vaccine Distribution

Residents may obtain an H1N1 vaccination at two of the three health centers operated by the department on any weekday (Monday through Friday). These are walk-in clinics, so no appointment is necessary. There is no cost for the vaccine at the health centers. Below is information about the two locations and their schedules:

Please note: Both health centers will be closed on Monday, February 15^th, 2010, in observance of the President's Day Holiday.

Residents may also obtain an H1N1 vaccination at the Chesterfield City Hall on any Wednesday through at least February 24^th, 2010. These are also walk-in clinics, so again, no appointment is necessary. There is no cost for the vaccine at Chesterfield City Hall. Below is information about the Chesterfield City Hall H1N1 clinics:

The health department has also 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 clinics and 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