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H1N1 vaccine for children
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AP Photo Jacquelyn Martin
A national emergency has been declared over the H1N1 pandemic. The World Health Organization has reported that nearly five thousand people have died from the H1N1 virus this year. A quarter of those deaths are people under the age of 25. The H1N1 (formally known as the swine flu) vaccine has been developed and is finally being distributed. However, parents have concerns over the safety and effectiveness of the H1N1 vaccine. Many fear that it was developed too quickly and that the side effects are still unknown.
How it is formulated
ABC news reports that the vaccine is prepared exactly the same way (by the same manufacturers in the same facilities) as the regular winter flu vaccine (from a virus grown in a chicken egg). The only difference is that the manufacturers are "merely using the new swine influenza virus, part of the common H1N1 influenza family, as the chief ingredient". In a clinical trial involving 3600 people, no serious adverse effects were reported.
Many of the vaccines contain Thimerosal, a preservative that has a small amount of mercury. There is no scientific evidence that this has any adverse effects, other than possible sensitivity at the injection sight. However, because many parents remain suspicious of its possible effects, a preservative free version of the vaccine is available.
Who should get it
The nasal spray is the weakened H1N1 virus and it is for healthy people age two and older. Anyone else (older than six months) should get the shot. The shot consists of the dead virus. The Center for Disease Control recommends that children nine and under should receive two doses of the vaccine, four weeks apart. However, the CDC states "if the second dose is separated from the first dose by at least 21 days, the second dose can be considered valid."
Who should not get it
People who should not receive the vaccine are those who are allergic to chicken eggs (the vaccines contain a small amount of egg protein), those with Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare nerve disorder), anyone that currently has a fever, and children under six months of age.
What to watch for
Seek medical attention immediately if your child displays any of the following behaviors after receiving the vaccine: high fever or behavior changes, hives, paleness, weakness, difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, a fast heart beat, or dizziness.
Another great resource to answer your vaccine questions: http://www.chop.edu/export/download/pdfs/articles/vaccine-education-center/h1n1-tearpad.pdf
Questions or comments email Lucy at lucymlogan@gmail.com
See also: H1N1 and breastfeeding, Should you get the H1N1 vaccine if you are trying to conceive?
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