H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine - What Are the Pros and Cons and What Are Your Options?

As of now, there are limited quantities of H1N1 vaccines available, but are increasing on a daily basis.  Both the Nasal Spray and injections are available.

What is interesting, and a little disconcerting, is that members of the medical community have opposing views as to whether or not you should rush to get vaccinated.

This is to say that there is only one H1N1 vaccine but it has 2 opposite views.

Some doctors are recommending that we get vaccinated against Swine Flu at the first opportunity while other doctors are currently against it.

CONS

Not enough information from the FDA.  To early to start using it. Some doctors are even going as far as to tell their pharmacies not to recommend it yet. The reason behind most of those opposed?

Production of the vaccine was started before the FDA had concluded their testing.  all of this was done to be certain that the vaccine would be available on time to distribute to the public.

There is even a FDA statement associated with the vaccine that states that "Clinical Studies are Ongoing"  according to some doctors this can only  mean that all of the evidence is not yet in.

Skeptics are telling us that this untested vaccine is potentially dangerous and unnecessary.

PROS

Immunize before it causes a major pandemic across the country.  They want to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

This was the only way they had to get the vaccine to the public in time for the flu season.

Some say that there "were no shortcuts" by the FDA inspectors.

Some doctors also tell us that even though the vaccine production was speeded up, the quality of the inspections were just as thorough.

The production of the normal seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine differ very slightly.

It should be given to the public ASAP because children especially are at a higher risk for the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

Priority for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine are being given to health care workers, children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, adults who care for infants under 6 months, pregnant women and adults with conditions such as asthma or a compromised immune system that predispose them to complications from flu.

The CDC and H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations

When questioned about the safety and side effects of the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination, this was response of the CDC:

Will the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine be safe?

"We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following flu vaccinations are mild, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events and we will work with state and local health officials to investigate any unusual events."

Are there any side effects to taking the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine?

"CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot is given.

After vaccination you should look for any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical attention right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form." 

No matter what facts you are presented with, either for or against, one must also be aware of possible misinformation by well meaning people.  And, this goes for those both for or against the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.

You can speak to doctors on both sides of this issue but ultimately, it is only you and your family that can make this important decision.  

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