The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced a massive fall vaccination campaign against both the seasonal influenza virus and the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Patients with multiple myeloma are recommended to receive both flu shots, in addition to a vaccine for pneumonia for influenza-related complications. The flu shots may be administered simultaneously at different injection sites on the body.

The H1N1 flu, which was initially referred to as swine flu, is responsible for thousands of hospitalizations and more than 170 deaths since the spring. Symptoms of the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu are similar and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, tiredness, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

Blood disorders and cancer can increase complications due to the flu. Therefore, multiple myeloma patients should take extra precautions to avoid the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu.

A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is currently undergoing clinical trials and is expected to be available in mid-October. The CDC hoped to have 120 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine available by October 15. However, delays in the manufacturing process have reduced the expected number to only 45 million doses.

It is also still unknown if patients will need one or two doses to receive immunity against H1N1. Initial results from clinical trials conducted in the United States suggest that a single dose of the H1N1 vaccination offered adults protection within eight to ten days.

Due to limitations in dose quantities, the CDC is targeting select population groups in the initial round of vaccinations. Patients with multiple myeloma, who are considered to be a priority group for the seasonal influenza vaccination, are also advised to receive the H1N1 vaccination, due to an increased risk for influenza-related complications.

For more information about the H1N1 virus, please visit the Cancer Consultants ^[1] Web site and the CDC ^[2] Web site.

Update: Federal health officials announced that more than three million doses of H1N1 vaccine will be available by the first week of October, which is earlier than expected. For more information, see The New York Times ^[3].