Here are five things every parent needs to know about the H1N1 vaccine...

1) The U.S. H1N1 vaccine trial was conducted with only 600 kids, so the range of adverse reactions won’t really be known until thousands of kids have been vaccinated.

2) The trial found that TWO injections are needed for children under the age of 10.

3) The trial used injectable vaccine, but the first vaccines available will be FluMist, which are sprayed into the nose. Unlike injectable vaccines, FluMist contains live virus.

4) Some hospitals are directing their doctors and nurses to avoid the H1N1 flu mist vaccine because the inhaled live virus can be passed on to patients with compromised immune systems.

5) Among the H1N1 vaccine highest priority groups are kids 6 months to 4 years of age, but according to FluMist prescribing information, FluMist should not be given to children under the age of 2 “because of increased risk of hospitalization and wheezing.”

You can get more facts about H1N1 vaccines for kids in the e-Alert “Immunity Idol” (10/6/09).

And for the best way to protect you and your family from ANY type of flu – no vaccine necessary – see the e-Alert “Maximum Protection” (10/12/09).

Sources:

“Hospitals Shun H1N1 FluMist Vaccine, Wait for Injections” Lance Hernandez, The Denver Channel, 10/5/09, thedenverchannel.com“Tots Will Require Booster for H1N1″ Steve Sternberg, USA Today, 9/21/09, usatoday.com

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