Explanation

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

How does Pandemrix^TM work?

Swine flu is caused by a type of flu virus called influenza A (H1N1). Pandemrix^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 imune system will quickly attack it before it can make you sick.

What does it look like?

Pandemrix^TM comes as liquid that is injected into a muscle, usually in your upper arm or your thigh.

When do I have to have it?

Pandemrix^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?

If you're aged older than 10 years, you will usually only need one Pandemrix^TM injection. If you are 9 years or younger, or if your immune system isn't working very well, you will need two smaller doses, at least 3 weeks apart.

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

If you don't feel like having your Pandemrix^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 Pandemrix^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 Pandemrix^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 Pandemrix^TM injection. He or she will make sure that you are given the right amount. If you are under nine, or your immune system isn't working very well, 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 Pandemrix^TM vacc...

When you have a Pandemrix^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 Pandemrix^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

feeling tired

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

sweating

swollen glands/lymph

aching muscles or bones

an itchy or warm feeling where you have the injection

shivering or feeling sick like you have the flu.

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 Pandemrix^TM vaccination include:

trouble sleeping

an itchy skin rash

tingling skin or 'pins and needles'

feeling sleepy

feeling dizzy

nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick)

diarrhoea (runny poo)

feeling generally unwell

Although very unlikely, having a Pandemrix^TM vaccination might also make the blood vessels in your kidneys inflamed. This can make it difficult to wee. 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 Pandemrix^TM vaccination?

Before you have a Pandemrix^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 thiomersal, which is in Pandemrix^TM, or if you know you have an allergic reaction to egg and chicken protein, ovalbumin, formaldehyde or gentamicin.

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 the vaccine may not be safe. He or she can then decide whether you should have it.

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

You should be okay to continue taking other medicines when you have your Pandemrix^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 Pandemrix^TM vaccine in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.