H1N1 Most Dangerous to Young People
Posted by
Barbara Tubridy LombardiOctober 21, 2009 2:57 PMH1N1 Most Dangerous to Young People
The chief health officer for the CDC, Rear Admiral Anne Schuchat, told 60 Minutes this past Sunday that, “Children and young adults, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and neurologic problems, and immune-suppression” are most at risk for complications from the H1N1 flu.
Confusion surrounding H1N1 has many people asking, “Who should consider vaccination?” The recommended age group to receive the vaccine has changed in the past week from 6 months to 24 years down to 18 years. Obtaining current information on the CDC website is as confusing as the conflicting information available through the media.
What is the truth about H1N1 vaccines? Where do I find warnings about the vaccine?
The truth….as we know it today:
The flu has been reported in 41 states as of October 16, 2009. Flu related hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise and are above expected levels. Seasonal flu and H1N1 death rates are soaring above 2008 statistics. As of the second week of October there are 5,000 cases reported compared to 7 last year, and 885 deaths this year compared to 7 last year at the same time. Scary? I think so.
Vaccine warnings and safety concerns:
Are you allergic to eggs? This should be the first concern as this type of vaccine uses eggs in the manufacturing process. However, according to the Mayo Clinic this allergy does not necessarily preclude you from receiving the vaccine. There are tests available that will establish if you are able to tolerate the H1N1 vaccine.
The FDA has posted the insert for the intranasal H1N1 vaccine manufactured by MedImmune LLC. The Novartis manufactured H1N1 vaccine product information can be found at this FDA website. Glaxo Smith Kline, another manufacturer of the vaccine did not have the insert available on their website, but the vaccines seem to have similar ingredients and warnings such as the ones from CSL an Australian manufacturer of the vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur, a French company, is one manufacturer of the pediatric dose of the H1N1 vaccine for persons 6 months of age to 4 years of age.
Who should consider being vaccinated against H1N1?
This decision must be made with objective information and your physician’s guidance. The CDC recommends the following groups should be immunized at this time:
1. Pregnant women.
2. Children ages 6 months – 24 (now down to 18) years of age.
3. People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.
4. Healthcare and emergency medical service personnel.
5. People ages 25 – 64 with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or compromised immune systems.
After the initial doses of H1N1 vaccine have been distributed to the above groups, the vaccine will be available for all others. It is anticipated this will be in November. Until then, remember the best defense against the spread of any virus is washing your hands, and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.