FDA approves fifth vaccine to protect from H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms in adults

New H1N1 Vaccine Approved to Protect from Swine Flu Symptoms

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced November 16th that it has approved a fifth vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus, produced by ID Biomedical Corp. of Quebec, Canada, owned by GlaxoSmithKline PLC.

What is the New H1N1 Vaccine?

Like the four previously approved H1N1 swine flu vaccinations, the new vaccine for H1N1 is an Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine, and will be produced in the same manner as the company's seasonal flu vaccine; that is, an established and licensed manufacturing process based on cultures from eggs.

The new H1N1 vaccine will be produced in multi-dose vials, and will contains thimerosal as a preservative.  Thimerosal is up to 50% ethyl mercury.  

What Are the Side Effects of the New Swine Flu Shots?

According to the FDA press release, "Potential side effects of this H1N1 vaccine are expected to be similar to those of the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site. Others may include mild fever, body aches and fatigue for a few days after the inoculation.  As with any medical product, unexpected or rare serious adverse events may occur. The FDA is collaborating with other government agencies to enhance adverse event safety monitoring during and after the H1N1 2009 vaccination program."

In addition, the package insert indicates a smaller chance of headache, myalgia, and swelling at the injection site.  It also warns that if the patient has suffered from Guillain-Barre syndrome in the past, this vaccine should likely not be used; and that those who are immunocompromised (have a very weakened immune system) may see a poor immune system response and not receive the flu protection against H1N1 swine flu symptoms.

There is no information on the possible side effects from the thimerosal, however. 

photo by Haukeland

Related Natural Health Articles:

• H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine approved use expanded to include children and infants - although the new vaccine is for adults only, another of the swine flu shots was recently given expanded approval for infants and children
• Mercury levels in H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine under scrutiny - study performed on thimerosal in infants
• 14 yr. old boy develops Guillain-Barre hours after H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine - recent report about the sixth case of GBS that may be connected to the 2009 H1N1 vaccine
• Trouble finding H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine locations? Google can help - find out where to get a swine flu vaccination near you
• Why is the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine being rationed, and what does it mean? - H1N1 vaccines being reserved for those at highest risk
• Top 5 simple ways to help prevent H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms - easy ways to help boost your immune system and prevent H1N1 symptoms

For more on natural antivirals and ways to prevent and treat Swine Flu symptoms, be sure to read:

• Natural Ways to Prevent Swine Flu
• Natural Treatment for H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms
• Natural ways to boost immune system health, for a broad look at natural ways to increase immunity
• Top Ten Overall Immune System Booster Foods, looking more specifically at immunity builders in the diet
• Natural Antiviral Alternatives for an overview of foods, herbs, and essential oils that have natural antiviral properties

For a touch of humor, be sure to check out these great I Survived the Swine Flu Panic t-shirts and other fine products.

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