Now that the H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine is being delivered, many of us are asking if we should take it or not.
There are so many conflicting reports; it's hard to decide. I thought I'd gather some information for you, from the sources, in order to make your decision easier and more informed.
In the United States, the government's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
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CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems."
Once a bit of time goes by after the vaccine is available, the CDC adds,
"...once the demand for vaccine for these target groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65."
Further, the CDC lists other ways to avoid catching the H1N1 Swine Flu virus,
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
If you are asking the question as to whether or not the vaccine is safe, there was at least one study that cited a link to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, an auto-immune system attack on the central nervous system causing paralysis which is usually treatable) in the 1970's Swine Flu vaccine, which generally ended the program of inoculations. Other studies found no connection to GBS.
Here's a link to some of those studies, via the CDC.
There have been accusations for the last several years that vaccines in general may cause autism in children. As far as I know, those theories and reports have never been substantiated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international non-governmental agency that monitors epidemics and vaccination programs. Here's their most recent statement (9-11-09) about the safety of these vaccines:
"National regulatory authorities for medicines carefully examine the known and suspected risks and benefits of any vaccine prior to its licensing. Because the pandemic virus is new, both non-clinical and clinical trials are being conducted to gain essential information on immune response and safety. Outcomes of trials completed to date suggest that pandemic vaccines are as safe as seasonal influenza vaccines.
Side effects are expected to be similar to those observed with seasonal influenza vaccines. Common side effects include local reactions at the injection site (soreness, swelling, redness) and possibly some systemic reactions (fever, headache, muscle or joint aches). In almost all vaccine recipients, these symptoms are mild, self-limited and last 1-2 days.
However, even very large clinical trials will not be able to identify possible rare events that can occur when pandemic vaccines are administered to many millions of people."
Is the new Swine Flu vaccine effective? One clinical trial by a manufacturer of the vaccine (one of several) indicates that only one dose is effective. (Sure, one may always be suspect of clinical trials funded by vested interests, but they are subject to scrutiny by professionals in their fields).
Here's a link to a new article from Reuters on a study funded by Sanofi-Aventis.
What's the bottom line and what do I think? This vaccine is made the same way that others are and have been for a long time: non-living viruses are grown, and injected into the body in order to prompt it to create antibodies and resistance. The nasal spray uses live, but neutralized virus material. Vaccines have been around for decades, and have been credited for saving many lives. However, if your immune system is compromised, or if you are ill, that becomes a complicated decision whether or not to have the vaccine.
On the other hand, if one is in excellent health, they may already have the immune system resources to fend off viruses. My plan is to speak with my doctor, and get his recommendation. Each person is unique, and I think we need to individually gather as much informed information as possible to make an educated choice for our families and ourselves.
Perhaps a better analogy would be more suitable.
