The Two Forms of H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations
Learn About the Flu Shot and Nasal Spray Vaccinations for Swine Flu
Nov 5, 2009
Swine flu certainly has made a lot of headlines. It seems as if every day there are news stories covering the H1N1 flu as it rips across the nation. In response the spread of the flu, a vaccine has been created to help protect against the 2009 version of the H1N1 virus. The U.S. Government has worked in association with several companies in order to purchase and distribute hundreds of millions of doses of the swine flu vaccine throughout the country. But what people may not know is that there are actually two different forms of this vaccination.
Two Different Forms of H1N1 Vaccines for the 2009 Flu Season
Here is a look at the two different vaccines that have been developed by drug companies and distributed by the Unites States government throughout the country:
- The “flu shot” is a vaccine that is made up of the dead H1N1 virus. This vaccine is usually given by a needle in the arm. This vaccine is approved for use in people six months and older. This includes a range of people who are considered “healthy,” people who have “chronic medical conditions” and even pregnant women. Always consult a physician before receiving the flu vaccine.
- The “nasal spray” H1N1 flu vaccine is made with live viruses that have been weakened. The nasal spray will not cause the flu. The acronym "LAIV" is often associated with a vaccine created from a live virus. LAIV stands for “live attenuated influenza vaccine.” This vaccine is also approved for people from age two to 49 who are not pregnant.
It takes the body about two weeks after being inoculated to build up the anti-bodies to successfully ward off the H1N1 flu. It should be noted that the H1N1 flu vaccine will not protect against the seasonal flu. A separate vaccination should occur for the seasonal flu.
When to Get the H1N1 Flu Vaccination
The 2009 version of the H1N1 vaccination is available now and will continue to be available throughout the remainder of the flu season to February and beyond. Because flu season can extend through May, vaccinations will occur through the winter and into the spring.
The Supply of H1N1 or Swine Flu Vaccine
According to the Center for Disease Control, the United States government has purchased 250 million doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. In a country of roughly 300 million, this will ensure that any person who would like to receive a swine flu vaccine should be able to get one.
Source
United States Center for Disease Control
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