The latest version of the swine flu vaccine is ready, and it’s already FDA approved. As with any vaccine, certain risks apply. Reports from the clinical trials are revealing whether this new vaccine holds a higher risk than others.
Vaccination Risks
Side effects are possible with this vaccine. For the swine flu, two types of vaccines have undergone clinical trials. One type, a shot similar to what is given for the current influenza A, is comprised of inactivated, or dead, virus cells.
So far, the side effects have been reported to be similar to those of the flu vaccine and may include a fever, tenderness near the injection site and/or aches. These typically go away in one to two days.
Another type is the nasal-spray flu vaccine, or the Live Attenuated Flu Vaccine (LAFV). This is a spray given into the nose and contains weakened live strains of the flu virus. The side effects reported on this type of vaccination are runny nose, headache, sore throat, and cough. The CDC recommends this type of vaccine only for those between the ages of 2 and 49 who are healthy and not pregnant.
This vaccine is in no way related to the swine flu vaccine of 1976, which raised a high level of concern for the vaccine’s connection to Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Swine Flu and Influenza (A): Reasons to Get the Flu Vaccine
Naturally, the intended benefits of both vaccinations are to prevent infection of the Influenza (A)H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu. Even though there is still a small chance that infection will occur even after being immunized, those cases tend to be more mild than those who have not had the shot.
is the Flu Immunization for Everyone?
Anyone may get it, but those who are especially encouraged to be vaccinated are health care workers, pregnant women, those under the age of 24 and those whose immune systems are already compromised. A startling number of cases have been shown in those who have neurological and muscular disorders.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Flu Vaccination
Since the side effects of this new vaccine appear to be similar to those of the current flu vaccine, it may be beneficial to get it. While at this time it is not required to get the vaccine, it will probably be highly recommended for those who fall into the high-risk categories. It is possible to take measures to prevent the swine flu without getting the vaccine. Knowing how it can spread is also a major preventative measure. Only time will tell how well this vaccine works, and if this flu season will be as infectious as last year.
Sarah Zahn - Sarah Zahn is a performer and writer and lives in a quaint borough in eastern Pennsylvania. Sarah earned her degrees in Vocal Performance ...
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