Reactions to the new H1N1 swine flu vaccine being tested

August 15, 2:22 PMSeattle Women's Health ExaminerKellie Fielding

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Volunteers begin getting the new H1N1 swine flu vaccine. Carolyn
   Atherholtz, right, is the first volunteer to receive a shot of H1N1 flu vaccine
   from research nurse Wendy Nesheim during the first of several clinical trials
   of a new vaccine conducted by Emory University, Monday Aug. 10, 2009,
   in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis) 

 There is a lot of discussion and public reaction regarding the new H1N1 swine flu vaccine that is currently being tested. On the one hand, you have people who are looking forward to the vaccination being readily available, but others feel it is being rolled out too quickly and are fearful to take it themselves or have it administered to their children.

One thing everyone can agree on is that a vaccine must be developed and available world-wide to help prevent the spread of this type of flu. Although the H1N1 virus is not as prominent in our daily news as when it first became detected, it is still causing deaths all around the world. According to the CDC, as of August 13th, there have been 7,511 hospitalized cases and 477 deaths in the United States. As of August 6, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) website shows a cumulative total world-wide of 177,457 cases and 1,462 deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website lists the following groups that are recommended to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine: pregnant women, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age, all people from 6 months old through 24 years of age, and persons age 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The new H1N1 swine flu vaccine is expected to become available in September 2009. There have been several media reports over the past few weeks indicating strong concern about the safety of the vaccine and that its development and testing stages are being fast-tracked to come to market in the fall. The goal is to have it available for children starting back to school and it will be the beginning of the flu season.

Many parents are concerned about potential side-effects that could occur if the vaccine is given to their children. Equally concerned are pregnant women who go through their pregnancies trying to steer clear of all medicines and are fearful of the ramifications to their unborn child.

What are your thoughts about the new H1N1 swine flu vaccine? Will you be comfortable taking it, or having your children take it? Please share your comments.