H1N1 (Human Swine Flu) and Seasonal Vaccine and Clinic Information

The H1N1 flu vaccine is available free of charge. The vaccine will be available to all Yukon residents who need and want to receive it.

• H1N1 Flu Vaccine: Dosing Recommendations [113.65 KB ]
• H1N1 Your child may need a second shot [373.30 KB ]
• H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccines [777.82 KB ]
• H1N1 unadjuvanted vaccine has arrived in Yukon: Offered to Pregnant Women Only [100.92 KB ]

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Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. There are two separate flu shots being offered this year. One is the regular seasonal flu shot, which protects against three prevalent flu strains identified around the world. The other one is specific to the H1N1 virus.

The H1N1 virus is getting its own vaccine this year because it is new and we have no natural immunities against it. The vaccine for the H1N1 virus was developed in the same way as seasonal flu vaccines are developed every year. It underwent the same rigorous testing and had to satisfy Health Canada’s safety requirements before being approved for use.

All flu vaccines are developed from killed flu, and cannot give you the flu. Most flu vaccines are up to 80 per cent effective on any given year, but the H1N1 vaccine’s clinical trials indicate that 85 to 98 per cent of healthy adults will develop a strong immunity against the H1N1 flu. As with any flu vaccine, it may take between 10 to 14 days for the vaccine to reach full effectiveness.

The Medical Officer of Health is encouraging all Yukoners over six months of age to receive both flu vaccines this year. People most at risk of complications from the flu include:

• Children under five years of age, especially those less than two years old;
• Women who are pregnant, especially over 20 weeks;
• Those with existing medical conditions;
• Those with weak immune systems either from diseases or medications;
• Those 65 years old and over; and
• Those who are markedly obese.