Explanation

Celvapan^TM (also called pandemic influenza vaccine H1N1) is a vaccine that prevents you from catching pandemic influenza like swine flu.

How does Celvapan^TM work?

Swine flu is caused by a type of flu virus called influenza A (H1N1). Celvapan^TM contains an inactive form of the virus that can't make you sick. When it's injected into you, your immune system learns to recognise the virus. Then, if you catch the real, live virus, your immune system will quickly attack it before it can make you sick.

When do I have to have it?

Celvapan^TM is only used when doctors and the government have decided that there is a pandemic. Usually you only need it if you have another illness that can make having the flu more serious, like:

asthma or other lung problems

liver or kidney problems

diabetes

having an immune system that isn't working very well - for example, if you are taking anti-rejection medicines after an organ transplant, or if you have HIV/AIDS

living with someone who has an immune system that isn't working very well.

When you're older, you are also offered flu vaccinations if you're pregnant.

How many injections do I need?

You will usually need to have two Celvapan^TM injections, at least 3 weeks apart.

But what if I don't feel like having it?

If you don't feel like having your Celvapan^TM vaccination, you should have it anyway because it's really important. It's very safe and will probably stop you getting the flu - which is definitely a good thing! It's especially important to have a Celvapan^TM vaccination if you have another illness that can make having the flu more serious.

What should I do if I forget to have it?

Your doctor or a nurse will contact you, or the person looking after you, if you need to have a Celvapan^TM vaccination. If you think you have should be having a vaccination but haven't been contacted, talk to your doctor or tell the person looking after you.

What if I have too much?

Your doctor or a nurse will give you your Celvapan^TM injection. He or she will make sure that you are given the right amount. You will need to go back at least three weeks later for a second injection. You will normally be reminded by your doctor but if you think it's time and you haven't heard anything, tell the adult looking after you.

What are the most likely side effects I might get if I have a Celvapan^TM vaccine?

When you have a Celvapan^TM injection, you may have some side effects, although not everybody gets them. It's unlikely but you could get an allergic reaction after having your Celvapan^TM vaccine. If you do, you should go to the hospital straight away. The signs of this to look out for are:

trouble swallowing or breathing

swelling of your face, throat, hands or feet

a bad rash, itching, or hives (bumpy patches of red or pale skin that are itchy).

Other side effects that you might get are:

a headache or feeling dizzy

a sore throat or runny nose

feeling tired

a bruise, pain, redness, swelling or a hard lump where you have the injection

sweating more than usual

aching muscle or joints

shivering or feeling generally unwell.

Most of these side effects should disappear in 1-2 days but if they continue you should tell your doctor or the person looking after you.

What other side effects might I get?

Other, less likely, side effects that you might get after a Celvapan^TM vaccination include:

swollen glands

trouble sleeping

not being able to feel hot and cold, pain and sense of touch very well

not being able to tell when you are feeling sleepy very well

red and itchy eyes (conjunctivitis)

suddenly not be able to hear as well

suddenly feeling light headed or like you are going to faint

feeling out of breath

getting a cough

nausea (feeling sick)

vomiting (being sick)

a sore tummy

diarrhoea (runny poo)

an itchy skin rash

Although very unlikely, having a Celvapan^TM injection might also cause seizures or serious pain along one or more nerves. It might also make your blood vessels in your kidneys inflamed. This can make it difficult to wee. Inflammation in other blood vessels can also cause a rash or joint pain. If you notice this, or any other side effects that are causing you trouble, you should tell your doctor straight away.

Is it safe for me to have a Celvapan^TM vaccination?

Before you have a Celvapan^TM vaccination, you should tell your doctor about any medical problems you know you have or have had in the past, including any allergies. This is especially important if you are allergic to formaldehyde, benzonase or any sugars as they are in the vaccine.

You should also tell your doctor if you are sick or have a fever, as it may not be safe to have the vaccine when you aren't well.

If you have any illnesses that make you bleed too much or too easily, you should also tell your doctor as vaccine may not be safe. He or she can then decide whether you should have it.

Is it OK for me to have a Celvapan^TM vaccination if I'm already taking other medication?

You should be okay to continue taking other medicines when you have your Celvapan^TM vaccine, but it's important to let your doctor know if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines, even herbal medicines or ones you got from the pharmacy without a prescription.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people about the Celvapan^TM vaccine in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.