John Bazemore/AP Photo
Tested in thousands of healthy adults, children and pregnant women in the United States and around the world, the vaccine to protect people against infection with the H1N1 influenza virus has proven both safe and effective. Supply problems will keep most members of the general public from having access to the swine vaccine until next week at the earliest, but those who are wondering whether they should receive the vaccine need have few safety concerns.
The need for vaccine as a preventive measure was highlighted late last week when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its latest update on pandemic flu. Since swine flu was first identified last April, 76 children have died because of complications from the disease. More than 600 Americans of all ages have died, and the disease has struck individuals younger than 24 years of age and pregnant women the hardest.
In Virginia, where both swine flu and seasonal flu are now widespread, at least seven people have died from swine flu complications. Through large portions of the state, more than 5 percent of all visits to an emergency room or urgent care center now involve influenza.
When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration licensed four H1N1 influenza vaccines in mid-September, the agency did so only after reviewing the final and interim results of trials that showed the products to produce no side effects or health problem greater than those caused by regular seasonal flu vaccines. The only problem reported by most recipients of the injectable vaccine was temporary soreness at the site where the shot was given. People who received the intranasal vaccine experienced runny or stuffed noses and sore throats. A few vaccine recipients did report a day or two of mild fever, body aches, and fatigue. No one died, developed Guillain-Barre syndrome or contracted swine flu.
By contrast, thousands of Americans die each year from acetaminophen-induced liver failure. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and numerous other nonprescription and prescription combination pain relievers.
When sufficient stocks of swine flu become available, the Norfolk Public Health Department will begin offering free vaccinations to school staff and students in the public schools. No one will be required to receive the vaccine. Children younger than 9 years of age will need two dose of swine flu vaccine to receive full protection. Patients and children's parents or guardians can request vaccine doses that do not contain the preservative thimerosal.
Related articles:
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- Swine Flu Vaccine Required for All Military Personnel
- Swine Flu Vaccine Begins for Pregnant Women
- Swine Flu Vaccine Deemed Safe Enough for Children's Trials
- Swine Flu Vaccination Order Set
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