The BCPFFA along with the IAFF is advising members to be aware of and take the necessary precautions for responding safely and effectively to an H1N1 flu outbreak, and strongly urges members be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1. .

Both H1N1 vaccines are safe, and are produced in the exact same way as the seasonal flu vaccination. Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be administered at the same time as any other vaccine, including pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Live 2009 H1N1 vaccine (nasal mist) can also be administered at the same time as any other live or inactivated vaccine except seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine. There is also an age limitation on nasal mist for individuals under 50, but anyone 50 and over need to get the inactivated vaccine.

Please go to the following provided links for more information.

Health Canada:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/index-eng.php

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/

Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/