The Swine Flu Vaccine for Children Under Two
Facts and Misconceptions About H1N1 Immunizations and Infants
Nov 8, 2009
The overwhelming number of articles and resources about the swine flu can confuse rather than clarify the issue of how and when to vaccinate infants and children. Myths, misinformation and misconceptions about the H1N1 vaccine have been broadcast and published. Parents seeking information about the swine flu vaccine for their infants and toddlers under the age of two may not realize that of the four vaccines for swine flu approved by the FDA, only one should be given to infants between the ages of six months and two years.
The Sanofi Pasteur Injected Vaccine
According to Dr. Bob Sears of AskDrSears.com, the Sanofi Pasteur vaccine has been approved for all age groups, including "infants six months of age through adulthood and the elderly." This vaccine comes in three different forms, each of these forms is injectable, and two of these forms contain no mercury. It is important to note that the nasal spray vaccine has not been approved for anyone under the age of two. More information about this vaccine and how it has been been manufactured can be found at AskDrSears.com
The Swine Flu vs. The Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Both the swine flu and seasonal flu vaccines come in two doses, and Dr. Sears recommends getting each dose one month apart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, concurs with this recommendation on their website, stating that the "CDC recommends that the two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine be separated by four weeks. However, if the second dose is separated from the first dose by at least 21 days, the second dose can be considered valid."
Routine Vaccinations and the Swine Flu Vaccine
Parents of Infants and children who are currently receiving their regular childhood immunizations may be unclear about how seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines fit into the schedule. Dr. Sears recommends that parents "delay any vaccines for diseases that don’t pose an immediate danger to a baby’s or child’s life and catch up on those vaccines in February or March, a couple months after finishing the flu vaccines." According to Dr. Sears, "Diseases that do pose an immediate danger to babies and children are HIB and PC meningitis, rotavirus, and pertussis." His website provides detailed information for how to stagger these and other vaccines.
Preventing the Flu
In addition to getting vaccinated when possible, the CDC recommends preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus through the use of simple daily actions to stay healthy. These include:
- Teach children how to cover their noses and mouths with a tissue or sleeve (not with their hands) while coughing.
- Wash hands frequently using soap and water and avoid touching the facial area as much as possible. Although topical, alcohol-based germ killers can help, there is no substitute for regular hand washing. The flu is a virus, and therefore not affected by antibacterial products.
- Keep sick children home and keep healthy children away from sick children and caregivers.
Resources:
Sears, R. (2007). The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
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