Two types of H1N1 influenza vaccines were rolled out in October of 2009: the nasal spray and the injection flu shot vaccine. This article contains information about the injection-type vaccine given for the H1N1 swine flu virus.
Injection Type Vaccinations
Most users are comfortable with type vaccinations, as this is the method for most routine childhood and adult immunizations, as well as the dominant type of seasonal flu vaccine. Children six months through nine years old will need two doses. Older children and adults only need a single dose.
Inactive Viruses in the Flu Shot
The flu shot contains three inactivated H1N1 viruses, meaning the viruses have been killed. The vaccine is injected directly into the muscle. The shot is usually administered in the arm.
Flu Shots and Thimerosal
Some formulations of the H1N1 flu shot contain the preservative thimerosal. Thimerosal is a necessary ingredient to protect against accidental contamination in opened multi-dose vials. Single-dose vials of flu shot vaccine don't need thimerosal and are beginning to be manufactured as well.
Many people are concerned about a possible link between thimerosal and autism, but studies cited by the American Center for Disease Control (CDC) find no evidence for this connection.
Should I Get a Swine Flu Shot?
Certain groups that are at the most risk for developing life-threatening H1N1 complications are recommended to get immunized first. These priority groups are:
- pregnant women
- caregivers for infants under six months old
- health care providers
- people six months old through 24 years old
- unhealthy people age 25-64 (i.e: with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems)
As the above groups with the highest risk receive the vaccine, the CDC recommends that the rest of the population be vaccinated (healthy 25-64 year-olds and seniors ages 65 and up.)
Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot
Flu shots are for children six months and older; a baby younger than six months should not get a flu shot. Those with severe allergies to eggs should also avoid the flu shot.
Flu Shot Side Effects
Mild irritations lasting one to two days may appear after a flu shot, including:
- tenderness or redness at the injection site
- headache
- muscle ache
- fever
- nausea
More serious complications such as allergic reactions are rare. The 1976 swine flu shot was associated with some instances of GBS (Gullian-Barré syndrome), but the CDC says that no link has been found between GBS and the current H1N1 vaccine.
Flu shots are recommended by health organizations to prevent symptoms of swine flu and potential life-threatening complications. Inactive H1N1 virus injections with and without thimerosal are available. An H1N1 shot will not protect against regular seasonal flu, so a seasonal flu shot is also recommended.
Source:
2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine: Inactivated (the "flu shot") fact sheet, American Center for Disease Control.
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