According to Dr. Anne Schuchat, as of Oct. 2, there were 600,000 doses of the vaccine on the way for use and that this is only the beginning,
Dr. Schuchat is the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, Ga.
Nasal Spray H1N1 Vaccine
“The first doses that are going to be available out there on Tuesday (Oct. 6) will be the nasal spray for inhalation,” Dr. Schuchat said. “It's a good vaccine, but it's one that can't be used in absolutely everyone. It's indicated for people 2 years of age through 49 who do not have conditions like pregnancy or chronic medical conditions. It's safe and effective.”
The nasal spray form of the vaccine is known by the commercial names of LAIV or FluMist®. Unlike the standard flu shot form of the vaccine, it is made from a live virus that has been weakened to the point that it will not cause the illness, just an immune response in the body. But as the doctor indicated, the nasal spray is not intended for everyone.
Those individuals with weak immune systems, pregnant woman, those with respiratory problems or other conditions, should not use this vaccine. For this group, the normal flu shot form of the vaccine, made from a dead form of the N1H1 virus must be used.
H1N1 Vaccine Side Effects
Dr. Schuchat said that while side effects are rare, they do differ in adults and children. Side effects in children listed by the CDC include:
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Fever
Adults who suffer from side effects are a bit better off with the following:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
Another important fact about any of the flu vaccines is that they are produced using eggs. So it is especially important that those individuals with an allergy to eggs do not use any of the flu vaccines. They should consult with their doctors as to what should be done.
In the initial stages of distribution, the vaccine will be available to first responders, such as medical workers and police and fire personal; those individuals most at risk to come in contact with individuals who are ill with H1N1. The nasal spray vaccine is recommended only for those workers under 50-years-old.
“There's a bit of a myth out there that health care workers shouldn't get the live vaccine, but that's a myth,” Dr. Schuchat said. “Most health care workers who are under 50 and don't have those chronic conditions can receive the nasal spray. We think it's important to get that vaccine out as soon as it has become available.”
When it comes to the standard flu shot form of the vaccine, Dr. Schuchat said it should be ready to be distributed within the next 10 days.
Pneumonia and H1N1 Deaths
Along with the H1N1 vaccine, there are recommendations that other steps should be taken for those most at risk. It seems that when it comes to the H1N1 virus, it is not only “swine flu” that is of concern. There is also a role of secondary infections, specifically bacterial pneumonia.
“Our scientists reviewed autopsy material from 77 fatal H1N1 influenza patients and found that bacteria were present in terms of bacterial pneumonia in about a third of those fatalities,” Dr. Schuchat said. “The good news is the leading bacteria was streptococcus pneumonia, and we have a vaccine for that.”
It is recommended that adults receive the pneumococcal vaccine if they have chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease or immunodepression conditions. Another group included in this is senior citizens, for which the pneumonia vaccine along with the standard flu shot is recommended each year.
“Sadly, only about one in five non-elderly adults take advantage of that vaccine” Dr. Schuchat said referring to those with chronic health conditions. “So when people are going in for their seasonal flu vaccines right now, those very same people, we urge them to consider the pneumococcal vaccine which is available right now. “
Dr. Schuchat stressed that this first distribution of vaccine is only the beginning and that, “we are all in this together”.
“We do expect some bumps in the road over the course as we begin this process together,” she said. “We're working really closely with the states and large cities to make things go as smoothly and as effectively as possible.”
Information on the H1N1 vaccine, the spread of the disease and related information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control. For a map showing the spread of influenza in the United States go to the 2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update page at the CDC.
Find more in formation on Who Should Be Immunized and on When to See a Doctor
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