Vaccine Information Statement: The H1N1 Inactivated Flu Vaccine

< What is 2009 H1N1 influenza? 2009 H1N1 influenza (also called Swine Flu) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It has spread to many countries. Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus. Signs of 2009 H1N1 can include: Fatigue Fever Sore throat Muscle aches Chills Coughing Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Most people feel better within a week. But some people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Some people have to be hospitalized and some die How is 2009 H1N1 different from regular (seasonal) flu? Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other. People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fight off the viruses). The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new flu virus. It is very different from seasonal flu viruses. Most people have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 flu 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza.. These vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines.They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines.  They will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses. They will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want to be protected against seasonal flu. Inactivated vaccine (vaccine that has killed virus in it) is injected into the muscle, like the annual flu shot. This article describes the inactivated vaccine. A live, intranasal vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine) is also available. Some inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine contains a preserva­tive called thimerosal to keep it free from germs. Some people have suggested that thimerosal might be related to autism. In 2004 a group of experts at the Institute of Medicine reviewed many studies looking into this theory, and found no association between thimerosal and autism. Additional studies since then reached the same conclusion.   Who Should Get the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine and when? Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine first are: Pregnant women People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age Health care and emergency medical personnel Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system As more vaccine becomes available, these groups should also be vaccinated: Healthy 25 through 64 year olds Adults 65 years and older The Federal government is providing this vaccine for receipt on a voluntary basis. However, state law or employers may require vaccination for certain pe Children through 9 years of age should get of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.   Some Children should wait or not get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Your child should not get 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine if they have had a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine. Also tell them if your child has ever had: life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal flu vaccine, Guillain Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS) These may not be reasons to avoid the vaccine, but the medical staff can help you decide. If your child is moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. If they have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can get inactivated 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including seasonal influenza vaccine. What are the side effects of the H1N1 Vaccine? A vaccine, like any medicine, could cause a serious problem, such as a severe allergic reaction. But the risk of any vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small  The virus in inactivated ( meaning the 2009 H1N1 virus in the vaccine has been killed) so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.  The risks from inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine are similar to those from seasonal inactivated flu vaccine: Mild problems headache muscle aches fever nausea soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given fainting (mainly adolescents) If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Severe problems Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.  Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness. In 1976, an earlier type of swine flu vaccine was associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, flu vaccines have not been clearly  linked to GBS. courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and posted 10-07-09 on kidsgrowth.com

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