Now that the H1N1 vaccine is in the province it is time to decide whether to get the shot or not. To allow for educated decision making here are some facts about the vaccine.

Nova Scotia ordered enough vaccines for everyone in the province who wishes to be vaccinated and it will be given free of charge. Supply issues have impacted the availability as not all doses ordered have arrived yet. This means that those in high risk groups received the vaccine first. The vaccine is given as a one dosage injection in the arm.

The vaccine is not approved for people with allergies or hypersensitivity to eggs, or severe allergies to other elements of the vaccine. Individuals with high fever, or people who have previously become ill with Gullian Barre syndrome within eight weeks of being given the regular flu vaccine should not be vaccinated.

Reactions to the vaccine are similar to other vaccine reactions. Side effects can include swelling or tenderness at the injection site, fever, aches, or feeling fatigued. More serious reactions to the vaccine are rare but to be safe people are recommended to stay at the vaccination clinic for at least fifteen minutes following the injection.

Questions have been raised about the safety of the vaccine, but the Nova Scotia Department of Health assures it is safe. Health Canada as well as manufacturers test vaccines thoroughly, Health Canada then reviews the results, as well as those from other countries before approving them for widespread usage.

The vaccine contains a small amount of mercury, although Health Canada has said it is not enough to cause complications.

After receiving the vaccine it will take roughly 10 days for immunity to develop. The vaccine will provide protection from the current strain of H1N1. For those who have already been sick with H1N1 this year being vaccinated is not necessary, provided it was confirmed by a nasal swab. If a nasal swab was not done, there is a chance it was not H1N1, but another virus and vaccination would therefore still be suggested.

The H1N1 vaccine can be given at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccine if one wishes to receive both. The seasonal vaccine protects against three strains of the common flu. The seasonal flu vaccine is free only to those in identified risk groups but can be requested by individuals not in a risk group.

In addition to the H1N1 vaccine, hand washing and sanitizing is still highly recommended to prevent illness. Avoid sharing drinks, toothbrushes, eating utensils or makeup as this could quickly transmit illness.

If you have chosen not to be vaccinated or have yet to receive the vaccine and suspect you have H1N1 quarantine yourself until symptoms subside. If questions arise, the NS Department of Health has set up a telephone service for 24 hour advice, just dial 811. If symptoms worsen or persist, make a trip to the doctor or a walk-in clinic.

Testing is not necessary for H1N1 and there is little that can be done to treat it. H1N1 is caused by a virus rendering antibiotics useless, although in severe cases antiviral medication can be prescribed. The symptoms resemble that of the seasonal flu, unusual fatigue, muscle or joint aches, fever, cough, headache or sore throat.

Self quarantine is of particular importance to prevent the illness from spreading throughout the Saint Mary’s population. Students are required to let professors know about illness, but no longer require a doctor’s note to excuse missed classes.

There will be a vaccination clinic held this Saturday November 7th on campus in Loyola 290 beginning at 8:30am and running until 2:30pm. A clinic is also being held in downtown Halifax at the World Trade and Convention Centre Thursday November 5th. If these are not convenient times check the NS Department of Health website for clinic times or contact the Student Health Centre, or a doctor to make an appointment to receive the vaccine. Be aware, the Student Health Centre was given a limited supply of the vaccine so an off campus clinic would be better.

Getting vaccinated is a personal decision. Living in close quarters, working with the public, and attending classes can put you at risk for contracting illnesses including H1N1. Five days of quarantine can result in a lot of missed class and work, but in the end deciding to get the vaccination or not is something to determine individually.