|
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
Dr. Offit writes, “the H1N1 virus revealed itself too late for it to be included in this year’s season flu vaccine. But the H1N1 specific vaccine was manufactured the same way as the regular vacine. the shot form is made by growing the virus in hen’s eggs, purifying it and then treating it with a chemical that inactivates. it. Dr. Offit says the process has been used to make vaccine for over 60 years and has an excellent safety record.
The nasal spray H1N1 vaccine is made by adapting the virus to temperatures below those normally found in our bodies. That process allows it to adapt to reproducing inside the normally cooler linings of our noses, but not in the lungs, where it could cause problems, according to the doctor. He says the technology has been safely used for over 30 years. FluMist, the seasonal flu vaccine has been used since 2003, is made the same way.
The new H1N1 Vaccine Hasn’t Been Tested?
Yes, it has and extensively. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital was one of a half dozen national test sites for the H1N1 vaccine. Their researchers started this summer with adults and then added children to make sure it would be safe with them. It was shown, in those tests, to be fairly effective against the new virus and caused few minor adverse reactions. Reactions similar to what people get from standard flu shots, like injection site redness and tenderness. Only after tests proved it was effective and safe, did thd Food and Drug Administration license it.
Does the new vaccine have hazardous ingredients or perservatives?
Some people have expressed fears the new vaccine may contain substances called adjuvants, which are added to some vaccines like the ones for hepatitis B and papillomavirus, to enhance the immune system response, so it takes less of the vaccine needs to be given. Vaccines in Europe and Canada have used another adjuvant called squalene. However, no adjuvants have ever been used in routine vaccines given in the United States. No adjuvant of any type is used in the production of the H1N1 vaccine.
Does the new vaccine have preservatives?
Yes, it does. The H1N1 vaccine contains about 256 micrograms of ethyl mercury per dose to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination in multi-dose vials. Studies have shown that even infants can safely receive 8 times as much mercury contained in the H1N1 vaccine. However, parents of children under 6 years old can ask for thimerosal-free vaccines. Thimerosal is the name of the preservative used in the H1N1 vaccine. However, vaccine experts say that does not mean thimerosal vaccines are unsafe.
Are there other ways to protect my younger children without giving them a vaccine??
Doctors say if you don’t like the idea of giving the H1N1 vaccine to your children, then consider taking it yourself and having every adult in your household vaccinated. While not as protective as having the children themselves get the vaccine, infection experts say keeping the H1N1 flu from infecting the adults in your house can go a long way to preventing your younger children from being exposed.
|
