H1N1 vaccine with live virus - side effects and risks from the nasal spray swine flu vaccination

November 15, 10:38 AMHealth Technology ExaminerVictoria Nicks

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Nasal Spray Vaccine Side Effects for Kids and Adults
AP Photo/Darron Cummings

The H1N1 vaccine that contains the live virus is administered through a nasal spray. This swine flu vaccination is produced by MedImmune, LLC, and is intended for people ages 2 years through 49 years, in order to prevent infection by the pandemic (H1N1) virus.

Nasal spray vaccine with live virus

The swine flu vaccine that is administered through a nasal spray contains the living H1N1 virus. This virus is weakened, or attenuated, in a laboratory in order to prevent it from infecting the person being vaccinated. In order to weaken the virus, it is allowed to reproduce repeatedly under certain conditions.

Weakened swine flu virus in vaccine

In this case, the virus is allowed to reproduce until it is no longer able to thrive in the heat of the human body. The swine flu virus present in the nasal spray vaccine is only able to live in the cooler environment of the nose. While this is sufficient to initiate a robust immune response, to protect the person from a genuine infection, the attenuated virus is not strong enough to create an infection itself.

Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine

Side effects experienced by children getting the nasal spray vaccine for H1N1 include

• sneezing
• bdominal pain
• ear infections
• runny nose/congestion
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• fatigue
• sore throat
• irritability
• headache
• muscle aches
• fever (up to 102 degrees)

Side effects in adults who receive the H1N1 vaccine with live virus

• runny nose/congestion
• sore throat
• headache
• muscle aches
• weakness/fatigue
• cough
• chills

Potentially serious adverse effects from the nasal spray vaccination

Other potentially serious adverse effects can occur with use of the nasal spray vaccine. These include:

• Allergic reactions due to eggs, gelatin, or other ingredients in the vaccine
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome - a nerve disease that can result in paralysis and permanent nerve damage

Related Information:

MedImmune LLC Package Insert

Living H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine Side Effects Dangers & Risks of Inhaled Swine Flu (H1N1) Vaccine With Live Virus

Prevent Swine Flu in Babies Under 6 Months Old Strategy for Avoiding H1N1 Virus Infection in Infants Without Shots

Seasonal Flu Shots vs. Swine Flu Vaccinations Safety Guidelines for Getting H1N1 & Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations

Risks of Tylenol With a Baby's Swine Flu Shot Acetaminophen Reduces Effectiveness of H1N1 Vaccine for Babies

Information about Mercury in the Swine Flu Vaccine

Pets vulnerable to owner's swine flu infection - H1N1 virus can be transmitted to pets from humans