There have been many rumours tarnishing the good name of the H1N1 shots. There are those that claim that the H1N1 shots maybe bad for you and may cause you to get sick.
By getting vaccinated, those around you will be less at risk of getting the virus.
The target group of people who are most wanted for H1N1 shots include pregnant women as well as babysitters who care for young children, healthcare and emergency personnel, persons between 6months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
Other people recommended for the vaccine include:
• Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
o Health care workers
o Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
o Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
That makes up almost about everyone doesn’t it?
If you do not fall into any of these categories, it is still beneficial to get yourself vaccinated.
The only people that might hold some risk when getting their shots are those allergic to eggs. Also to consider are those who have the following:
• hives or swelling of the lips or tongue
• acute respiratory distress (trouble breathing) after eating eggs
• documented hypersensitivity to eggs, including those who have had asthma related to egg exposure at their workplace or other allergic responses to egg protein
People with the above conditions should go to their doctors for advice on whether to take the H1N1 flu shot.
Children with severe asthma are at high risk of the influenza. Children who suffer from this and hypersensitivity to eggs will receive their vaccines from a regimen
Other ways of protecting yourself include:
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throwing the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Staying home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
If you are looking to get yourself vaccinated, please call your nearest polyclinics to make an appointment.
All National Healthcare Group (NHG) Polyclinics 6355-3000 Mondays to Fridays
8:00am to 1:00pm
2:00pm to 4:30pm (registration ends 4.15pm)
Saturdays
8:00am to 12:30pm (registration ends 12.15pm)
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Bedok Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6243-6741 Mondays to Fridays
8:00am to 1:00pm
2:00pm to 4:30pm (last registration at 4.15pm)
Saturdays
8:00am to 12:30pm (mainly for patients with appointments)
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Bukit Merah Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6271-3911
Geylang Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6842-2440
Marine Parade Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6342-5024
Outram Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6435-3980
Pasir Ris Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6585-5406
Queenstown Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6471-9530
Sengkang Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6315-3500
Tampines Polyclinic (Singhealth) 6786-8516
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