Updated Recommendation for the Use of Unadjuvanted H1N1 Vaccine for Travellers

As the circulation of the H1N1 flu virus in Canada is very low at this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada only recommends vaccination for travellers visiting areas where the H1N1 flu virus is circulating. If travellers have previously received the H1N1 flu vaccine, no further flu vaccine is needed this season.  

During the H1N1 outbreak in Canada, adjuvanted vaccine was recommended for most Canadians as it provided better protection against H1N1 influenza. However, the adjuvanted vaccine has now expired and is not currently available in Canada. The undjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine is still available to Canadians travelling to areas where H1N1 is circulating.  Recommendations for the use of this vaccine are:

• Children between 6 months to 35 months of age should receive two half-doses of vaccine, given at least 21 days apart.
• Children aged 3 to 9 years of age should receive two doses of vaccine, given at least 21 days apart.
• All other persons 10 years of age and above, including pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, should receive one dose of vaccine.

The seasonal influenza vaccine for 2010-2011 will contain the 2009 pandemic H1N1 flu strain and should be used to protect travellers when it becomes available in the fall of 2010.