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Dr. Jack Burks, MS Neurologist, Chief
Medical Officer of the Multiple Sclerosis
Association of America, Director of
Program Development at Holy Name
Hospital MS Center in Teaneck, NJ.
On September 15, 2009, the US Department of Health and Human Services (FDA) approved four influenza A (H1N1 or Swine flu) vaccines (firstwordplus.com). Some vaccines will be available as early as the first week of October. With the appearance of Swine flu, many with MS are confused. Swine flu vaccine is different from other flu vaccines because it is specifically aimed to prevent Swine flu. Here are common questions MS neurologists hear and one MS expert's responses:
Should a person with MS take a flu shot, and which should they take?
Dr. Jack Burks, MS Neurologist, Chief Medical Officer of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, headquartered in Cherry Hill, NJ, and Director of Program Development at Holy Name Hospital MS Center in Teaneck, NJ, offers some clear guidelines.
According to Dr. Burks, it is recommended that most indivuals with MS obtain a yearly flu shot because a sustained viral infection, like the flu, can make one very sick and can increase the risk of a flare-up or relapse of the disease. Inactivated or "killed" flu vaccines are recommended for MS and are compatible with the first line disease modifying therapies such as, Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia and Rebif.
Live vaccines, that are given intra-nasal, are not recommended.
All of the new, FDA approved Swine injectibles to be released in October are inactivated or "killed" and are, therefore, recommended for MS.
If you take the Swine flu vaccine, do you need to take the 'regular' Flu vaccine?
Dr. Burks advises that an inactivated, annual flu vaccine is recommended and can be taken in addition to a Swine flu vaccine this year. The 'regular' flu vaccine can be taken immediately and there is no need to wait for the Swine flu vaccine to become available to do so.
Dr. Burks encourages individuals with MS to consult with their physicians concerning their specific situations before making a final decision.
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