With H1N1 swine flu in our community and seasonal flu fast on its heels (flu season began in October), citizens may be confused about the differences between seasonal and H1N1 swine flu and have questions about vaccinations.

The Volusia County Health Department and Volusia County Emergency Management have teamed up to educate citizens about flu. Through the “Let’s Fight Flu Together” campaign, public health officials are helping citizens get clear about flu vaccinations.

Here are some common questions about flu vaccines:

- Will one vaccine protect me from both seasonal and H1N1 swine flu? The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 swine flu and the H1N1 swine flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Each protects against a different virus and is intended to be used along-side the other.

- How many doses are required for protection against seasonal flu? First-time seasonal flu vaccine recipients do require a booster dose, but if you’ve received a seasonal flu vaccination in the past, a booster dose is not needed.

- How many doses are required for protection against H1N1 swine flu? Children under 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about one month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.

- Are H1N1 swine and seasonal flu vaccines mandatory? No. Neither the seasonal flu vaccine nor the H1N1 swine flu vaccine is mandatory.

- Who should get vaccinated for H1N1 swine flu? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the H1N1 swine flu vaccine be given to the following priority groups while vaccine is in limited supply: pregnant women, people caring for infants younger than six months, health care and emergency medical services responders, people ages 6 months - 24 years, and people ages 25 - 64 years with health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from the flu.

- Who should get vaccinated for seasonal flu? Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone, but especially the young (younger than 5 years) and seniors (older than 50 years). People should talk to their physician if they are considering seasonal flu vaccination and have had an allergic reaction to chicken eggs, or a previous serious reaction to a seasonal flu shot.

- Will my health care provider have both the H1N1 swine and seasonal flu vaccines if I want them? Private providers will be advised of the availability of both vaccines. Please contact them to see when you can receive your vaccinations. Local public health officials believe Volusia County will receive enough vaccinations for those who want one, though supplies will not be unlimited.