| As of now, there are limited quantities of H1N1 | | | | of the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination, this was |
| vaccines available, but are increasing on a daily basis. | | | | response of the CDC: |
| Both the Nasal Spray and injections are available. | | | | Will the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine be safe? |
| What is interesting, and a little disconcerting, is that | | | | "We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have |
| members of the medical community have opposing | | | | a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which |
| views as to whether or not you should rush to get | | | | have a very good safety track record. Over the |
| vaccinated. | | | | years, hundreds of millions of Americans have |
| This is to say that there is only one H1N1 vaccine but | | | | received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common |
| it has 2 opposite views. | | | | side effects following flu vaccinations are mild, such |
| Some doctors are recommending that we get | | | | as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where |
| vaccinated against Swine Flu at the first opportunity | | | | the shot was given. The Centers for Disease Control |
| while other doctors are currently against it. | | | | and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug |
| CONS | | | | Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any |
| Not enough information from the FDA. To early to | | | | signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse |
| start using it. Some doctors are even going as far as | | | | events and we will work with state and local health |
| to tell their pharmacies not to recommend it yet. The | | | | officials to investigate any unusual events." |
| reason behind most of those opposed? | | | | Are there any side effects to taking the 2009 H1N1 |
| Production of the vaccine was started before the | | | | Swine Flu vaccine? |
| FDA had concluded their testing. all of this was done | | | | "CDC expects that any side effects following |
| to be certain that the vaccine would be available on | | | | vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine |
| time to distribute to the public. | | | | would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be |
| There is even a FDA statement associated with the | | | | similar to those experienced following seasonal |
| vaccine that states that "Clinical Studies are Ongoing" | | | | influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be |
| according to some doctors this can only mean that all | | | | experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling |
| of the evidence is not yet in. | | | | where the shot was given, fainting (mainly |
| Skeptics are telling us that this untested vaccine is | | | | adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and |
| potentially dangerous and unnecessary. | | | | nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin |
| PROS | | | | soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. |
| Immunize before it causes a major pandemic across | | | | Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very |
| the country. They want to vaccinate as many people | | | | rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few |
| as possible as quickly as possible. | | | | minutes to a few hours after the shot is given. |
| This was the only way they had to get the vaccine | | | | After vaccination you should look for any unusual |
| to the public in time for the flu season. | | | | condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. |
| Some say that there "were no shortcuts" by the | | | | Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty |
| FDA inspectors. | | | | breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around |
| Some doctors also tell us that even though the | | | | the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast |
| vaccine production was speeded up, the quality of | | | | heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition |
| the inspections were just as thorough. | | | | occurs following vaccination, seek medical attention |
| The production of the normal seasonal flu vaccine | | | | right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date |
| and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine differ very slightly. | | | | and time it happened, and when the vaccination was |
| It should be given to the public ASAP because | | | | given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department |
| children especially are at a higher risk for the H1N1 | | | | to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse |
| Swine Flu virus. | | | | Event Reporting System (VAERS) form." |
| Priority for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine are being | | | | No matter what facts you are presented with, either |
| given to health care workers, children and young | | | | for or against, one must also be aware of possible |
| adults ages 6 months to 24 years, adults who care | | | | misinformation by well meaning people. And, this goes |
| for infants under 6 months, pregnant women and | | | | for those both for or against the H1N1 Swine Flu |
| adults with conditions such as asthma or a | | | | vaccine. |
| compromised immune system that predispose them | | | | You can speak to doctors on both sides of this issue |
| to complications from flu. | | | | but ultimately, it is only you and your family that can |
| The CDC and H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations | | | | make this important decision. |
| When questioned about the safety and side effects | | | | |