By Julie Stachowiak, PhD
Multiple Sclerosis Guide; Guest blogger
I have repeatedly heard people say that they are afraid to get the H1N1 vaccine or get their children immunized, as the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is a brand new vaccine. They go on to say that new vaccines come with unexpected problems and surprise adverse events. No thanks, these people say, we'll take our chances with the H1N1 virus itself.
However, many of these people also get the seasonal flu shot (or FluMist) every year without thinking twice about it.
Let's clear this up. Of course, since H1N1 is a new strain of influenza, there needs to be a vaccine manufactured specifically for this virus. In that respect, yes, it is a "new" vaccine.
However, the way that it is produced and the components included in the vaccine are identical to the seasonal flu vaccine processes and ingredients. This means that, just like the seasonal flu vaccines in the United States, the H1N1 vaccines used in the US will not contain adjuvants. And, just like seasonal flu vaccines, some of the H1N1 vaccines will contain thimerasol (multi-dose vials) and some will not (single dose injections and FluMist).
Therefore, side effects from the vaccines will also be similar in most people. I get a sore arm and feel kind of yucky the next day from my seasonal flu shot every year - I pretty much expect the same from my H1N1 shot when I get it. If you get a day of sniffles from seasonal FluMist, you can probably expect the same from your inhaled H1N1 vaccine.
