discussion title:
another H1N1 vaccine question.....
message #:
3220.3 in response to 3220.2
Yes, it is EXACTLY the same as the "regular" flushot only with a different virus. Honestly, this is not unlike them using a different strain in the regular flushot - which they alter every year to the viruses deemed likely to be a problem that year.
If they'd had the time this virus would have been included in the current "regular" flu vaccine. However, production had already started on that for this year so they had to mix it up differently.
The risk/benefit of the flu shot is established - it is very safe if people follow the recommendations (i.e., talk w/ your MD if you have an egg allergy, don't take if you've had chronic fatigue syndrome, etc). Out of 39,000 people in China who just took the H1N1 they had only four "adverse events" and those were cramps and a headache.
Good luck in making your decision. Our whole family will be getting it. For people like us who may have children with other chronic disease or compromised health it really is the best decision. The disease is worse than the cure here, especially for those kids.
