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H1N1 101: Is it safer for my family to be vaccinated against H1N1...or not?
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Photo courtesy of PhotoXpress
The news released yesterday on the H1N1 flu is that the inhalant version of the vaccine will be available to families by early October and the shot by mid October, which is earlier than projected. The government has purchased 250 million doses of the vaccine for distribution in hospitals, schools, pharmacies, public health departments and stores.
The government is confident that there will be enough of the vaccine to go around, but it will be become available in waves. Therefore, they recommend that all those considered “high-risk”, especially pregnant women, health-care workers, parents and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months, children age 6 months to 4 years, and children age 4-18 with chronic medical conditions be the first in line to receive the vaccine. Next in line should be anyone between 5 to 24 years of age and people between 24 and 64 with chronic medical conditions. Once these groups have been vaccinated, it will be offered to people between ages 24 and 64. Last in line will be over 64 year olds because this group is at the lowest risk for infection.
The promise of this vaccine has sparked some important concerns among families. The questions below will guide you through the research process. Pose the questions to your trusted physician and pediatrician now so that you can make a confident, informed decision for each one of your family members once the immunization becomes available.
Because the cases reported up to this point have been predominately mild to moderate, is it necessary to vaccinate my family?
The worry is that this strain of flu could mutate and then become more serious. The hope is that the vaccine will offer some protection should this occur. BUT, there is the possibility that if it does mutate, the vaccine will offer no protection.
Does the lack of long-term testing of the vaccine pose any health risks to my family?
Most health professionals will argue that this is just a variation of the seasonal flu vaccine which has been tested rigorously and accepted as safe. However, a report was released yesterday that the Secretary of Health temporarily lifted the limits on the amount of mercury (thimerosal) that can be included in the H1N1 vaccine specifically for pregnant women and children under 3. Thimerosal is a preservative that was recently removed from vaccines because of suspicions of a link between vaccines and autism. At this point, there is no concrete evidence to support this argument. According to the Secretary, Mary Selecky, she made her decision to lift the limits because “It is vital to be sure that everyone in a high-risk group has the choice to be vaccinated when the swine flu vaccine becomes available.”
How will I know if the vaccines that my family members will receive contain Thimerosal?
The vaccine will be released in three forms:
1) the single-dose inactivated (will NOT contain Thimerosal)
2) the multi-dose inactivated shot (WILL contain Thimerosal)
3) the live inhalant (will NOT contain Thimerosal)
Is it a one-dose vaccine?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a one-dose vaccine for children 10 years and older. Any children under 9 years and younger will be given 2 doses.
Who in my family should receive the vaccine?
- Front-line healthcare workers
- Pregnant women
- All those between 6 months and 24 years
- Caregivers of babies under 6 months
- Anyone up to 64 years of age with chronic medical conditions
Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect against the H1N1?
No. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1. You will need two separate vaccines.
Can the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccine be administered together?
In most cases, yes, but be sure to ask your doctor.
Is there a fee?
No. It was paid for by taxpayers’ dollars. However, the provider may charge an administrative fee so be sure to inquire.
For more information about H1N1, visit:
H1N1 101: Understanding how H1N1 is spread, the symptoms, who is at risk, and when to worry.
H1N1 101: Your family’s prevention toolbox
H1N1 101: What to do if someone in your family should get the H1N1 flu
Experts question whether handwashing will help prevent H1N1
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