Swine Flu Vaccine Recommended
CDC H1N1 Flu Vaccination Recommendations and Reasons to Get the Flu
© Muxin Li
Nov 12, 2009
The swine flu vaccine allows the body to prepare itself against a swine flu attack, and the CDC recommends that nearly everyone receive the swine flu shot. Although the vaccine does not cure the illness, it is good to have the vaccine ahead of time before an illness does occur. In case you haven’t already received your swine flu vaccination, here are some good reasons to get one.
Swine Flu Vaccination Recommended for Certain Groups
The swine flu vaccine isn’t required for everyone, but the CDC does highly recommend that certain, more at risk people receive the vaccine before other groups can be vaccinated. Pregnant women, those who care for infants under six months old, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, people between the ages of 6 months to 24 years old, and people of ages 25 through 64 who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems, are all recommended to receive the vaccine.
The CDC encourages all people to receive the swine flu vaccine, although people with allergies to eggs would experience allergic reactions to the vaccine. Anyone who is aware of having this allergy should first see their doctor before getting the flu shot for any flu strains. Also, people who experience any of the following should also consult a physician before getting a flu vaccination:
- hives, swelling of lips or tongue
- trouble breathing after eating eggs
- hypersensitivity to eggs, such has having asthma related to egg exposure at their work, or other allergic reactions to egg protein
How Safe is the Vaccine
The swine flu shot was made in the same process as the seasonal flu shot. Long-term clinical trials are currently testing the vaccine’s safety, but the short-term trial results so far have shown only normal reactions to the vaccine such as soreness and perhaps redness at the injection site. There have been rumors that the swine flu vaccine contained potentially harmful adjuvants, such as squalene, but these rumors have been proven false.
The H1N1 Flu Vaccine is Free
The federal government has already purchased the swine flu vaccine, and is providing it to the public for free. There are some private providers that may charge a fee for administering the swine flu shot, but this cost is not high and many public vaccination clinics will administer the vaccine for free.
The Swine Flu Shot is not a Cure
The swine flu vaccine will not cure the swine flu, but it will help your body fight the illness should a real infection occur. Vaccines are simply dead versions of a virus that your body builds immunity towards. Then, when a live virus enters your body, your immune system will have already developed the antibodies to fight the illness. How effectively a vaccine works depends on the individual’s ability to develop immunity against the virus.
It takes time to build up immunity after having a vaccine, so taking care of your body is important. Even after taking vaccines and all sorts of medication, a person can still suffer from poor health because of their own daily choices like smoking, drinking, chronic stress, etc. The best way to stay healthy is to develop healthy lifestyle habits.
Sources:
- CDC.gov
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