H1N1 Vaccine

My office has been receiving many calls in regards to the H1N1 vaccine. There has been a tremendous amount of information presented by the media and internet about the vaccine. Here are some facts.

There are two types of H1N1 vaccines: the inactivated vaccine (injectable form) and the weakened live virus (nasal mist form).

The targeted groups include:
1. Pregnant women
2. Parents and caregivers of children under 6 months of age
3. Health care personnel
4. Individuals between the age of 6 months to 24 years
5. Individuals 25 years to 64 years with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems

Two doses 3-4 weeks apart are necessary for children 9 years and under to provide adequate immunity.

The H1N1 injectable vaccine does contain thimerosal, a preservative, but there is no convincing evidence that it will do any harm to children or pregnant women. It may cause localized swelling and redness at the injected site.

The vaccine is FDA licensed which means it has gone through clinical trials and has been found to be safe and effective. There is a probability that next year's seasonal flu vaccine will contain the H1N1 strand.

There has been over 11 million doses shipped throughout the United States. Schools have begun administering to students. The Federal Government has purchased about 250 million doses so there will be more vaccines available in the upcoming months.

The nasal mist (FluMist) is approved for healthy individuals between the ages of 2 years to 49 years and who are NOT pregnant.

FluMist should not be given to:
1. Pregnant women
2. Kids under two years or adults over 50 years
3. People with chronic medical conditions such as COPD, asthma, heart disease, or immuno-compromising diseases
4. Children under 5 years with history of wheezing
5. Children receiving aspirin
6. People with history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine
7. People with allergy to eggs

The side effects of the H1N1 vaccines include:
1. Soreness and redness at the site of injection
2. Headache
3. Muscle ache
4. Low grade fever
5. Nausea
6. Runny nose with the nasal mist

Contact your primary care physician or go to the ED if the following occur:
1. High fever
2. Behavior changes
3. Difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing
4. Swelling around the eyes or lips
5. Hives
6. Paleness
7. Weakness
8. Fast heart beat
9. Dizziness

The most frequent question I get is do I recommend the vaccine?
The answer is Yes.
I plan to give my daughter the mist when it arrives. I have also recommended my staff to get the vaccine in addition to their young children.

The second most frequent question is where to obtain the H1N1 vaccine. That is a difficult one to answer...it is state dependent. In Delaware, schools are currently getting their supply as are physician offices (if they pre-registered). Delaware Division of Public Health Clinics will also be providing the vaccine to high risk individuals by appointment only. For more information, please go to the Delaware Division of Public Health Website.

For more information about the H1N1 vaccine, please go to the CDC website.