Today the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its November 2009 edition of the Patient Safety News. Included was an update for families on the H1N1 vaccine. Here is the latest information for families.
- 4 different H1N1 vaccines exist. Three are injections and the fourth is a nasal spray. Some vaccines may contain the preservative thimerosol; others are preservative-free. This is the same as the seasonal flu vaccine.
- The H1N1 vaccine is different from the seasonal flu vaccine. It protects patients only against the H1N1 virus. Conversely, the seasonal flu vaccine protects only against the seasonal flu. One does not protect against the other. For that reason, some people may require getting both of them. Consult your medical practitioner for personalized advice.
- Children under the age of 10 should get two doses of the H1N1 vaccine. These should be administered approximately a month apart.
- Adults and children over the age of 10 only require one dose of the H1N1 vaccine.
- Side effects of the injected vaccine are similar to those of the seasonal flu vaccine: soreness at the injection site, fatigue, mild fever, and body aches. These can last up to several days. If concerned about side effects, please contact your medical professional
- Side effects of the nasal vaccine can include runny nose or nasal congestion. Adults may also experience a sore throat. Children ages 2 to 6 may also experience a slight fever. Again, concerns about side effects should be directed to your medical professional.
- People with a severe, life-threatening allergy to eggs should not get the H1N1 vaccine.
Resource:
FDA. "Vaccines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza" FDA Patient Safety News. Retrieved 11-2-09 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/psn/transcript.cfm?show=92#1.
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