H1N1 - a parents guide to vaccinating children

November 19, 12:18 PMHartford Early Childhood Parenting ExaminerVictoria Scott

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(AP Photo/ Charles Krupa)

We all want to do what is best for our children, but sometimes it's hard for us to know what 'best' is.

The H1N1 vaccine has caused quite a stir in the media and parents are feeling confused as to whether or not it is safe to use and if they should vaccinate their children. The answer  - absolutely.

The vaccine is recommended for all children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years old. It has been rigorously tested and is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA's recommendation is that all children over the age of 10 years old receive one dose of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

The CDC's guidelines recommend that all children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years receive two doses of the vaccine - the second dose to be given after 4 weeks of the first dose.

There are two types of 2009 H1N1 vaccine - the H1N1 influenza shot and the nasal spray. The Nasal spray is only recommended for healthy people between the ages of 2 years old and 49 years old. Children 6 months - 2 years old have to get the shot. Both the nasal spray and the shot are safe and effective.

How do we know if the vaccine is safe?

All vaccines and medicines must go through extensive testing before they are approved by the FDA. The vaccine was made using the same technology that has been used to make influenza vaccines for the last 60 years. It just so happens that the H1N1 virus didn't show itself in time for the vaccine to be incorporated into the seasonal flu vaccine.

The seasonal flu vaccine is a new vaccine which is made every year and so the H1N1 vaccine is no different. It simply means that this year we'll have to give our children two shots instead of one.

Will the seasonal flu shot protect my children from the H1N1 virus?

Unfortunately, no. But the CDC says that the inactivated 2009 H1N1 flu shot can be given at the same time as any other vaccine, including Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV). The live 2009 H1N1 vaccine however, can be given with other vaccines except the seasonal live attenuated flu vaccine. For more information on the CDC's guidelines on the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, click here.

Is there anybody who shouldn't receive the vaccine?

If your child has an allergy to eggs you need to talk to your doctor first. A regimen has been developed for children with severe asthma and egg hypersensitivity.

What are the risks if we don't vaccinate?

There is no guarantee that your child is going to get the H1N1 virus. The information that's been put out in the media is not there to scare you, but to help you make an informed decision. However, every illness has it's potential risks.

The H1N1 Influenza can have complications which include:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infection
• Ear infection
• Worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma
• Hospitalization

Unfortunately, death has occurred in severe cases.

For more information on H1N1 and taking care of your children during the flu season, click here. This will give you a list of topics and information sheets related to the various aspects of H1N1 designed specifically for parents.

Here is a fantastic article featured in the New York Times that should reassure you about the myths of H1N1.