Most people are worried about a dangerous form of influenza called swine flu or H1N1 influenza that is sweeping the globe.
In July 2009, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 virus a phase 6 pandemic. In response, the American Center for Disease Control (CDC) introduced special swine flu vaccines in addition to the regular seasonal flu shot.
Development of Swine Influenza Vaccines
The first round of H1N1 vaccines, produced and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), became available to the public in October 2009.
The most at-risk groups - namely, pregnant women, children under six years old, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems - are advised to get one of the three types of swine flu vaccine first.
Types of H1N1 Vaccines
Currently, there are three formulations of H1N1 influenza vaccine. Swine flu vaccinations now available are:
- Nasal spray flu vaccine
- Swine flu shot with thimerosal
- Swine flu shot without thimerosal
Flu Mist Nasal Spray H1N1 Vaccine
The swine flu nasal spray formulation is a live, attenuated form of the virus that is sprayed into the nose. "Attenuated" means "weakened." The nasal spray does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. People who should not get the flu mist vaccine include:
- Pregnant women
- Children under two years old
- People with asthma
- People with a compromised immune system
Concerns over the safety of using a live virus make some people uneasy about receiving the flu mist nasal spray vaccine for H1N1.
Swine Flu Shot
The traditional injection method is also available for immunizing against H1N1. This type of flu vaccine contains an inactivated or killed form of the virus, which is injected into the muscle.
The CDC recommends this formulation for a larger percentage of the general public. It is safe for women who are breastfeeding and pregnant. The only group who should not receive the flu shot is babies under six months.
Flu Shots with and without Thimerosal
Thimerosal is a preservative that was routinely included in vaccinations prior to 2001. The CDC and the FDA have reviewed published research on the safety of Thimerosal in vaccines and found no connection between the use of Thimerosal and the incidence of autism.
In the midst of the swine influenza pandemic, three formulations of vaccine are offered to protect those against the H1N1 influenza virus. It is important to note, however, that a swine flu vaccination does not protect against seasonal flu.
Sources:
"Novel H1N1 Flu: Background on the Situation," American Center for Disease Control.
"2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine: Innactivated (the 'flu shot')" fact sheet, American Center for Disease Control.
"2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine: Live, Attenuated (the nasal spray vaccine)" fact sheet, American Center for Disease Control.
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