H1N1 influenza, otherwise known as swine flu, has not only become the health care hot topic of 2009, it has parents, teachers and other caregivers wondering, “What can I do to protect my kids from H1N1?” While promoting healthy habits is one way to lower the risk of infection, getting your child – and yourself – vaccinated is another. There are a number of questions surrounding the new H1N1 vaccine. My goal as a health care provider is to help parents and caregivers better understand why the experts at Children’s
Should my child be vaccinated against H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu?
Yes, you should get both vaccinations. Because their immune systems still are developing, children are at high risk for contracting H1N1, the seasonal flu and other viruses. The vaccine can help provide another line of defense against these illnesses, and keep them from spreading. Parents and caregivers also should be vaccinated. Teachers, day care providers and others are included in this group. If you are in regular contact with kids, do them and yourself a favor and get the vaccine to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness. It’s simply good preventative medicine.
Who can I talk to about getting the vaccine?
Always start with your child’s pediatrician. He or she is likely to have the seasonal flu vaccine on hand and also can help you find out where and when the H1N1 vaccine is available. Because the H1N1 vaccine is so new, quantities have been very limited. Check back regularly as more should become available in the near future.
Who can get the vaccine?
Anyone with a healthy, uncompromised immune system can get the vaccine. Children, who are at high risk to contract the virus, are urged to get the vaccine. Those with a compromised immune system should check with their health care provider before searching it out.
What is the difference between the live and killed vaccine?
A live vaccine is the actual virus in a much weaker form. It is so weak that immune systems can easily fight it, yet strong enough to help your system build up the proper immunity. Children over the age of 2 who have a healthy immune system can receive the live vaccine, which is prepared in the form of a nasal mist.
A killed vaccine is exactly that – a dead virus. This is recommended for those who cannot have the live vaccine, including infants aged 6 months to 2 years or children with high risk medical conditions such as asthma. However, even healthy individuals can get this vaccine.
Can H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations be given at the same time?
Yes, you and your children can get both vaccinations at the same time if you receive injectable vaccine – the killed virus. If you receive intranasal vaccine, you will need to separate the vaccinations by approximately four weeks. Next year, H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines are likely to be combined into one vaccination, making it easier to administer.
As always, if you are in doubt about any vaccine, contact your health care provider.
Who should NOT get the vaccine?
Anyone with a compromised immune system or anyone allergic to the components of the vaccine should talk with his or her doctor prior to receiving it. For instance, those with an allergy to eggs should not get the H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccination as the vaccine is grown in eggs. Also, if your child has a moderate or severe illness, your pediatrician most likely will make you wait to receive the vaccine until the child is healthy.
Other than the doctor’s office, where else can I take my family to get vaccinated?
Flu clinics are held at numerous locations. Your local Health Department has a list of dates, times and locations. The best place to start, however, is with your regular pediatrician.
Since the H1N1 vaccine is new, should I be concerned about its side effects or safety?
The H1N1 vaccine has gone through the same rigorous testing as the seasonal flu vaccine. In fact, it is made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine, which has been in circulation for more than 10 years.
Its side effects are the same as those of the seasonal vaccine. There can be irritation and soreness at the injection site, a moderate fever and a runny nose in the case of intranasal vaccine. All of the symptoms are relatively mild. If other symptoms arise, call your pediatrician immediately.
Can this vaccine cause autism in children?
There is no link between any vaccination and autism.
Where can I go to receive more information on H1N1, vaccinations or other seasonal illnesses?
There are several helpful Web sites containing great information regarding a number of topics. We recommend www.Flu.gov, www.CDC.gov, www.Pandemic.Wisconsin.gov, and of course, www.chw.org and www.ChildrensFluFighters.com.