Vaccine for H1N1 influenza will be available in two forms: nasal spray (flumist), which is administered as a nasal spray; and injectable, which is administered as a shot.
Intranasal vaccine can only be given to healthy people between the ages of 2 - 49. Pregnant women cannot be given H1N1 FluMist. Unlike the flu shot, the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses. However, the viruses are attenuated (weakened) and cannot cause flu illness.
Injectable vaccine can be given to people 6 months of age and up. This vaccine made with killed flu virus and is recommended for pregnant women. Both forms of the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine are being made in the same way and at the same places where the seasonal flu vaccine is made.
For more information on H1N1 vaccine, see the CDC H1N1 Flu website. To view information on H1N1 clinical trials, go to clinicaltrials.gov.
