What are the ingredients in the Swine Flu vaccine?
Is there a vaccine to prevent Swine Flu?
Yes. The antigens have been selected by CDC for the trivalent vaccines for the 2013-2014 flu season and the vaccine contains the following three viruses: .
Type A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; .
Type A(H3N2) virus antigenically like the cell-propagated prototype virus known as A/Victoria/361/2011; and, .
Type B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus. It has been recommended that quadrivalent vaccines containing two Type A and two Type B influenza viruses contain the above three viruses and a Type B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus. For those with egg allergies: The CDC has issued the following media advisory: .
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted today, 13 to 0, in favor of recommending FluBlok during the 2013-2014 influenza seasons for vaccination of persons 18 through 49 years of age with egg allergy of any severity. FluBlok was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2013. Unlike current production methods for other available seasonal influenza vaccines, FluBlok does not use the influenza virus or chicken eggs in its manufacturing process..
Vaccines for the 2012-2013 flu season in the US: This year's trivalent seasonal flu vaccines will protect against the following three strains of influenza: .
Type A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) ~ the "swine flu vaccine", .
Type A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2), and .
Type B/Wisconsin/1/2010. There is also a new vaccine in the 2012-2013 flu season that is FluMist Quadrivalent. This new vaccine includes two Type B strains of flu instead of one. It contains B strains from both the B/Yamagata/16/88 and the B/Victoria/2/87 lineages in addition to the same strains of the Type A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) that are included in the trivalent vaccines for this season. See the related questions below for more info. For the 2012-2013 Flu season in the US, the following vaccines for influenza are approved for use: .
AFLURIA Trivalent made by CSL/Merck .
AGRIFLU made by Novartis .
FLUARIX Trivalent made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals .
FLUMIST made by MedImmune Vaccines, Inc. .
FLUMIST QUADRAVALENT made by MedImmune Vaccines, Inc. .
FLULAVAL Trivalent made by ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec .
FLUVIRIN Trivalent made by Novartis .
FLUZONE made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. .
FLUZONE - High Dose made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. .
FLUZONE-Intradermal made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. .
For the 2011-2012 flu season in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of six vaccines on July 18, 2011. These approved trivalent vaccines for the seasonal flu will all contain vaccine for the H1N1/09 "Swine Flu" and two other viruses suggested by CDC for this season (see more below). These approved vaccines are: 1. Afluria (CSL Limited) 2. Fluarix (Glaxo Smith Kline Biologicals) 3. FluLaval (ID Biomedical Corporation) 4. FluMist (MedImmune Vaccines, Inc.) 5. Fluvirin (Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited) 6. Fluzone, Fluzone High-Dose, Fluzone Intradermal (Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.) The Fluzone Intradermal is a new formulation for administration in the layers of the skin (intradermal injection) instead of the intramuscular (IM) injection. Fluzone Intradermal administration uses a microinjection system with a very fine needle. Approved for those aged 18 through 64. Nomenclature The naming convention for virus strains such as the one used to produce the pandemic A-H1N1/09 vaccine [ A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)v-like virus ] is explained below: A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus A = Type A influenza. There are three types of influenza: A, B, and C. CALIFORNIA = The location the strain was first identified. 7 = The strain identification number. 2009 = The year the strain was identified. H1N1 = The antigenic characterization of the H and N proteins. [Antigenic characterization is a method used to describe influenza proteins neuraminidase (N) and hemagglutinnin (H) and how they have changed.] ADDITIONAL AND HISTORICAL INFORMATION ABOUT H1N1/09 VACCINES 2010-2011 Flu Season: For the 2010-2011 flu season in the US, it is included in the regular flu vaccination, so unlike 2009, it will only require a single vaccination to be protected against swine flu and two other types of flu that are expected to be circulating this season. There is no longer any need to prioritize the delivery of the vaccine to those at highest risk since there is plenty of vaccine available now. 2009-2010 Flu Season: Vaccines are available and being administered in the states using the recommendation of international epidemiologists to provide the first vaccinations to those who are most vulnerable, health care workers, to fire and police personnel. A group of international epidemiologists has met and developed a roll out plan and suggestions for nations to plan to vaccinate those critical to the health and welfare of the community first, such as health care workers, fire and police personnel, and also the most vulnerable. The very first batch of the vaccine should be distributed primarily to the following five preferential groups: .
Pregnant women; .
Individuals who live with or care for children under 6 months old; .
Healthcare and emergency service workers; .
Individuals between 6 months to 24 years old; and then .
Adults 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions. Unlike seasonal flu, the elderly, aged 65 and older, seem to have a resistance to the H1N1/09 virus (probably from earlier exposure to some similar virus, perhaps the one in the 1930's) and will not be among the first to be vaccinated in this plan. The vaccines for the US approved so far by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are those produced by Novartis, Sanofi, and CSL who have produced the injection inactivated vaccines and MedImmune who has produced an attenuated (weakened) vaccine for administration in nasal spray for ages 2-49. The vaccines for Europe approved by EMEA, are two vaccines that are inactivated ("dead") and adjuvanted ("strengthened" so smaller doses can produce the same immunization to enable more doses). They are Focetria by Novartis and Pandemrix by GlaxoSmithKline and both are for administration by injection. Approval awaits for a third vaccine. Up to 60 human trials of the vaccines that were produced by the various drug Manufacturers were undertaken and monitored by the FDA, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The manufacturers who were contracted and licensed by Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce the H1N1/09 Vaccine are the same ones used for seasonal flu since 2004. Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Biotherapies, and MedImmune. The first vaccines were released 10/6/09 in the US. The demand is great and therefore the above distribution recommendations are being followed. The latest information available from the CDC is that about 45 million doses will be available in the first round of released vaccine over several weeks in mid to late October. After that the vaccine will be produced at a rate of approximately 20 million doses per week. On September 21, 2009, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered an additional 56 million doses of vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 flu from MedImmune and Sanofi Pasteur. The drug manufacturers who had been given seed stock from the CDC and WHO, are continuing to grow virus to produce vaccines from the seed stock. Since the growth of the seed stock was not as prolific as was hoped, the release date has now been pushed back, however the first rounds of vaccinations will be made available to those at most risk of complications first to assure the best use of the early doses that are available. A second seed stock was selected that is a more prolific producer and it is expected that the speed of production will increase by use of these more robust strains. The vaccine will be provided to a central distribution point in each state in the US and providers who want to give vaccine directly to their patients can request vaccine from the local government public health contacts. Other vaccination centers will be eventually also set up in schools, hospitals, clinics, and other locations for public vaccination programs. The vaccine will be provided free of cost, however private providers who administer the vaccinations may charge for their administration services. Distribution will be made on a priority basis to those at highest risk first, such as children and pregnant women, those who care for infants under 6 months old who can not take the vaccinations themselves, those who are immunocompromised, people who have underlying health problems such as asthma and diabetes, and healthcare workers, etc. Two injections will not be required for adults or children over 10 as was originally believed, since the trials are showing very good immune responses to the good seed stock that is being used. It is more likely now, that these immunizations will be very similar to the seasonal flu vaccinations. Immunization should be complete approximately 8 to 10 days after the flu shot in adults. However, children under 10 will still need two vaccinations to cause the proper immune response in their immature immune systems, just as with other vaccinations these are given 28 to 30 days apart and within approximately two weeks of the last injection in the series of two, they should have developed an appropriate level of immunity for protection against this strain of flu. The CDC and WHO recommend that people get the seasonal flu shot as usual. It will have no protection against A-H1N1/09, and the swine flu shot will have no protection against the seasonal flu strains that are expected to be in the Northern Hemisphere this fall and winter as usual. Two vaccinations (one for seasonal flu strains and one for H1N1/09) will be required for full protection against the seasonal flu strains and against H1N1/09 Swine Flu this year (2009). Both types of vaccines could be given at the same time (still in separate vaccinations, they can not be combined in one shot, though), however, you should not wait to get the seasonal flu shot until the swine flu shot is available to your risk group. As soon as you have an opportunity to get the seasonal flu shot, you should go ahead and get that done as soon as possible, especially if you are among those at high risk for influenza (for seasonal flu this does include those 65 and older, while for H1N1/09, that older group is actually at less risk than younger healthy people for the swine flu.) The H1N1/09 vaccine is will contain the new 2009 strain of swine flu, but otherwise it is being made the same way and with the same preservatives, and other ingredients for injection as has been used for decades now for seasonal flu shots. So there is no expectation of new side effects or problems with getting the vaccination than that which would be normal for the seasonal flu injections. Over the long period of use of this type of vaccine, problems have been very low. There have been very few reactions or problems with this method of vaccine development (unlike the problems that were had with the swine flu shots in the 1970's) and there is no scientific data to support the concerns that some have voiced about the preservative thimerosal. There is no data from the scientific studies that have been done that link autism or other problems to the thimerosal. The minuscule amount of mercury in the preservative's compound ingredients is no more than would be obtained through a meal of fish. There are some manufacturers who have developed single doses of vaccine that will not contain the thimerosal. These will be available in some locations to those who have this concern. The larger 10cc vials will have to have the preservative added, but single dose vials and single dose pre-loaded syringes may be an option for some. Discuss this with your health care professional in advance of presenting for the vaccination if you have concerns and you may need to reserve this type of single dose vaccine from your pharmacy in advance.
What are the ingredients in the flu vaccine?
UPDATE for the 2013-2014 flu season: In addition to the other ingredients (see below), for the 2013-2014 flu season, the antigens have been selected by CDC for the US trivalent vaccines for the 2013-2014 flu season, and the vaccine contains the following three viruses: .
Type A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus; .
Type A(H3N2) virus antigenically like the cell-propagated prototype virus known as A/Victoria/361/2011; and, .
Type B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus. It has been recommended that the 2013-2014 quadrivalent vaccines (containing two Type A and two Type B influenza viruses) contain the above three viruses and a Type B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus. For those with egg allergies: The CDC has issued the following media advisory June 2013: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted today, 13 to 0, in favor of recommending FluBlok during the 2013-2014 influenza seasons for vaccination of persons 18 through 49 years of age with egg allergy of any severity. FluBlok was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2013. Unlike current production methods for other available seasonal influenza vaccines, FluBlok does not use the influenza virus or chicken eggs in its manufacturing process. .
The ingredients that are added (in addition to the antigen virus # ) in the following US FDA-approved 2012-2013 influenza vaccines are: Flulaval : Thimerosal, α-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate, polysorbate 80, formaldehyde, sodium deoxycholate, ovalbumin Fluzone: Standard, High-Dose, & Intradermal: Formaldehyde, octylphenol ethoxylate (Triton X-100), sodium phosphate, gelatin (standard formulation only), thimerosal (multi-dose vial only) , egg protein Afluria: Beta-propiolactone, thimerosol (multi-dose vials only), monobasic sodium phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic potassium phosphate, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium taurodeoxycholate, neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B, egg protein Fluarix : Sodium deoxycholate, formaldehyde, octoxynol-10 (Triton X-100), α-tocopheryl hydrogen succinate, polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), hydrocortisone, gentamicin sulfate, ovalbumin Fluvirin: Nonylphenol ethoxylate, thimerosal (multidose vial-trace only in prefilled syringe), polymyxin, neomycin, beta-propiolactone, egg protein FluMist and FluMist Quadrivalent#: Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), monosodium glutamate, hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, arginine, sucrose, dibasic potassium phosphate, monobasic potassium phosphate, gentamicin sulfate, egg protein * Where "thimerosal" is marked with an asterisk ( * ) above, it indicates that the product should be considered equivalent to thimerosal-free products. This vaccine may contain trace amounts (
Will the Swine Flu vaccine cost something?
Beginning in 2010 the swine flu vaccine has been included in the "regular" seasonal flu vaccine in the US. So, you will likely be charged for the flu shot as you have been in any other years. Many insurance plans fully cover preventive vaccines such as this without costs to patients, though. The initial vaccinations in 2009 were provided free to citizens by the US Government. Depending on if you got the vaccination at a public health location or at a private provider at that time, you may or may not have had to pay for the administration of the vaccine (the nurse's time to prepare and give the injection or mist along with the cost of the needles and other equipment. States provided locations for totally free swine flu immunizations, but if you chose to get one at your doctor's office or a pharmacy or other for-profit location, you might have been expected to pay a nominal fee.
Will everyone in the us have to get the swine flu vaccine?
At this point looks like it will be left up to individual states .
CDC Meeting: States Decide on Mandatory Vaccinations According to Military Rep .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2Umlnd562U
Where do you get the Swine Flu vaccine at Alcudia?
Some nations have contracted specific manufacturers to provide them with exclusive sources of the vaccine once ready for marketing, so you will need to find out what the availability will be and immunization program is once the Alcudia area has a supply on hand. If you are a tourist, or are vacationing in the area, the best plan would be to check with your hotel concierge for information about local doctors and treatment. There may be a hotel doctor the concierge can arrange to have see you in your room. For additional consideration and advice for international travelers from the US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent, see the related questions below . Follow all hand washing and prevention guidelines and avoid going to public places until one week after the first symptoms began or seven days after the last symptom is relieved, whichever is longer. (See related questions below.) If you live in the area, health care professionals should be able to advise you on the need for treatment. (See the related question below for information on treatment if you contract the flu before the vaccine is available.)
When was the Swine Flu vaccine released?
The vaccine was first distributed just at the beginning of the 2009 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. It is included in the regular seasonal flu vaccination again in the 2011-2012 flu season.
Who is in charge of Swine Flu vaccine?
For the 2012-2013 Flu Season in the Northern Hemisphere: The vaccine for the H1N1/09 virus is included in the seasonal flu vaccine as one of the three virus types expected this flu season, so a separate vaccination is no longer needed. For the 2010-2011 and 2011 - 2012 Flu Seasons in the Northern Hemisphere: The vaccine was available just like in the prior flu seasons for the "regular" flu vaccine. There was no separate distribution system this time. The vaccine for the H1N1/09 virus is included in the seasonal flu vaccine, so no separate vaccination was needed these years. For the 2009 H1N1/09 pandemic and 2009-2010 Flu Season: In the US now that the vaccine is being distributed, the supplies are going to the state health departments and from there, they are distributing to the communities and organizations in their states for local vaccination programs and individual providers to administer the vaccines. Development of the vaccines was an international effort with government public health organizations working together with each other and with drug manufacturers along with the World Health Organization (WHO) for creation and recommendations for use of the different types of vaccines. The WHO and CDC were prominent in selecting and isolating the strain that would be most effective to grow and to use to create the vaccines. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Health and Human Services (HHS) and even the Homeland Security organizations are involved in plans for manufacture, testing, approval, and administration programs. The CDC's committee making the recommendations is called The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In the UK, it is the NHS who is primarily advising the governments in the UK. The WHO, CDC, NHS, and health ministries of other individual countries are making recommendations on immunization program planning and preparation, and then it will be up to the governments to determine the best use for their citizens of the vaccines as they become available. They will be available after testing by the manufacturers and by the government agencies, and when subsequently approved and released for distribution and use in the planned immunization programs. In the US, the program will be entirely voluntary, leaving the choice to take the vaccine with each individual and parents. Some states and employers have mandated health care workers take vaccines for the A-H1N1/09 to continue to work with the ill patients in their care. See also the related question, "Which cities states or countries have deaths or cases of swine flu?" in the related question section below for more information and regular updates on the vaccines, manufacture, and immunization approval processes.
Is the swine flu vaccine a live vaccine?
One type is. There are now flu vaccines made for 3 administrative routes. The nasal spray version (intranasal) is the one made with live virus, but it is weakened so that it can not make an otherwise healthy person sick. The injection versions do not have live virus, those particles are inactivated/"dead". These injected vaccines are made for either the usual type of flu shot (intramuscular) and now also a new intradermal vaccine for injection between the layers of the skin. This type comes ready to administer in a micro-injection system made specifically for administering this way using a tiny needle. See the related questions below for more information.
Is the Swine Flu vaccine dangerous?
The Swine Flu vaccine is safe, as safe as vaccinations for any other illness, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies prior to the US approval of the vaccines were done by the manufacturers and by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with monitoring by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). All approved the vaccines as safe and effective for use as directed. The new A-H1N1/09 Pandemic Flu vaccine is being produced just like the regular seasonal flu shot, which has a very high safety record, so there is no reason to expect any different outcomes than we have seen with the seasonal flu shot for decades. Unless you are allergic to eggs * [see more about egg allergies and flu shots below], latex, previous vaccines or flu shots, you should be safer taking the vaccine than risking the flu without it, especially if you are in any of the high risk groups or if you live with or care for any of those who are (especially infants under six months old). For a list of those considered in the high risk groups see the related questions section below. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised you should not use the nasal mist vaccines but you can and should get the flu shots made with inactive virions as opposed to live attenuated virus vaccines. Infants under 6 months old can not get immunized by vaccination because their immune systems are still too immature. There are some rumors and people expressing concern about the preservative (thimerosal) in these vaccines, but again, this is not a new component in the flu vaccines, and if you have had no problem with the seasonal flu shots, you should be unlikely to have problems with this new one. For a full list of the ingredients in the swine flu vaccine, see the related questions below. The concerns that are expressed about the thimerosal is that it contains mercury. To put this into proper perspective, there is a minuscule amount of mercury in the thimerosal compound, but it is about the same amount of mercury you might get in a fish ** sandwich. There is no scientific evidence that mercury in this amount is harmful, or that link it to any diseases or problems (including Autism, which is something that some have expressed concern about). * Note: Egg allergies may not prevent you from having a flu vaccination any more. See the related questions below for more detail on that subject. ** Note: Fish that contain lower amounts of mercury include catfish. It has been determined that for the amount of mercury in catfish to pose any potential danger, these hypothetical health risks from the mercury in catfish would only begin at a weekly intake of 342.8 ounces (21.4 pounds) of the fish. This should serve to demonstrate the insignificance of the mercury from a flu shot. Scientific studies have proven no connection between thimerosal and untoward health consequences from vaccine use. In the end, if you are considering getting a vaccination, the question you should ask is, "Am I safer vaccinated, or not vaccinated?" Ask your doctor if you need help. See the related questions for more information.
Should you have your toddler vaccinated for swine flu?
Yes. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and other public health organizations and physicians are recommending that everyone who can should get vaccinated. Toddlers and infants are especially at risk of hospitalizations and more severe symptoms with the flu since they have immature immune systems that have not had exposure to other viruses to help hasten the development of antibodies for this strain of virus..
One of the subsets of high risk groups, which would be allowed to have the vaccine before others if the supply is inadequate to meet demand initially, is the group comprised of children aged 6 months--4 years. It is believed that those in this high risk group should have priority over a different high risk group of children aged 5 years to young adults aged 24. This would indicate that vaccinations for toddler age children are strongly encouraged by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). See link to this committee's full report in the related link section below. .
Note: Infants 6 months or younger can not get vaccinations for the flu. (See the related questions listed below for more information on flu vaccinations.)
Who received the swine flu vaccine in 1976?
It was offered in the US for whomever wanted the shot. It was recommended that health care workers get the vaccine. I took the shot since I was a nurse working in a hospital at the time.
Who will get the first Swine Flu vaccines?
A group of international epidemiologists has met and developed a roll out plan and suggestions for nations to plan to vaccinate those critical to the health and welfare of the community first, such as health care workers, fire and police personnel, and also the most vulnerable. The very first batch of the vaccine should be distributed primarily to the following five preferential groups: .
Pregnant women; .
Individuals who live with or care for children under 6 months old; .
Health care and emergency service workers; .
Individuals between 6 months to 24 years old; and then .
Adults 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions. Unlike seasonal flu, the elderly, aged 65 and older, seem to have a resistance to the H1N1/09 virus (probably from earlier exposure to some similar virus, perhaps the one in the 1930's) and will not be among the first to be vaccinated in this plan.
What agency approved swine flu vaccines?
In the US it was the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and in Europe it was the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) who approved the H1N1/09 vaccines for use.
What if there is no vaccine for you for Swine Flu?
There is no longer concern about having enough of the H1N1/09 vaccine to go around. In the 2011-2012 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, as in the 2010-2011 flu season, the vaccine for the seasonal flu shots in the US contains the swine flu (A-H1N1/09) vaccine, so you will be protected from swine flu by getting the "regular" flu shot again this year. If you weren't able to get that vaccination for another reason besides availability of the vaccine, then you could get the flu (such as allergy to eggs or other contraindications for use- see more about this in the related questions below). But if you use very good prevention techniques you may avoid catching it. For most people, so far, it looks like the symptoms are mild and then once they have had the flu they will have long term immunity. Remember how to avoid catching it and practice those recommended behaviors. See related questions below for more information.
What antivirus is in the swine flu vaccine?
The vaccines are different than anti virus medicines, so there is no anti virus medicine contained in the vaccines. See below for related questions for more detail.
Who should not get a Swine Flu vaccination?
Most everyone should get an H1N1/09 vaccination with few exceptions. Infants under six months old cannot be immunized for the flu because their immune systems are not mature enough to have vaccinations. From the Product Information about the Intranasal spray vaccine for A-H1N1/09, the following information explains who should not use the live attenuated vaccine that is in a nasal spray (see below about the injections). .
⢠children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older ⢠pregnant women, ⢠anyone with a weakened immune system, ⢠anyone with a long-term health problem such as - heart disease - kidney or liver disease - lung disease - metabolic disease such as diabetes - asthma - anemia and other blood disorders ⢠children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing during the past year, ⢠anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems, ⢠anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit), ⢠children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment. If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait. Tell your doctor if you ever had: ⢠a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal flu vaccine, ⢠Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS). Some children and adolescents 2-17 years of age have reported mild reactions, including: ⢠runny nose, nasal congestion or cough ⢠fever ⢠headache and muscle aches ⢠wheezing ⢠abdominal pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea Some adults 18-49 years of age have reported: ⢠runny nose or nasal congestion ⢠sore throat ⢠cough, chills, tiredness/weakness ⢠headache ⢠Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. ⢠In 1976, an earlier type of inactivated swine flu vaccine was associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). LAIV has not been linked to GBS..
Those who can not use the nasal spray will probably be able to use the H1N1/09 injections for vaccination, but see also below for information on the contraindications for use of the flu shots. Those who should not take the flu shots according to the package information are: .
Anyone with an allergy to eggs or chicken protein. [See more in related question-you may still be able to be vaccinated.] .
Anyone with an allergy to the ingredients in the vaccines. [See related question below for more information on the ingredients]. .
Those who have had GBS [Guillain-Barré Syndrome] within 6 weeks of taking a flu vaccine in the past. Note: Immunocompromised persons may have a reduced immune response to the Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine used in the flu shots, so there may not be full immunity acquired in some people (such as those on chemotherapy, transplant anti-rejection drugs, persons with Lupus erythematosus or other auto immune diseases, HIV/AIDS, etc.) It is suggested that those people who may have a suppressed immune response continue to observe all safety precautions for avoiding infection by the H1N1/09 virus even after receipt of the vaccination, such as hand washing and other preventive measures, since they may not have a proper response to become fully immune.
Does the Swine Flu vaccine hurt?
Answer: All injections are uncomfortable, there is no getting around the fact that you will feel it and it might sting. But as intramuscular (IM) shots go, flu shots don't hurt very much, especially if given correctly. There is also a new intradermal (ID) injection for flu that has a 90% smaller needle than IM. See below for more info about ID flu vaccine. Shots can vary in how much you feel them depending on who gives them. The needle should go in fast, and the vaccine should go in slowly, and then you will have less discomfort. How much a shot hurts also depends on how much you expect it to hurt, so try to relax your muscles, take deep breaths and think happy thoughts. More: The key is to not look, do not tense up because then it will hurt worse. More facts about the ID flu vaccine: .
Approved for use in adults only (ages 18 - 64), given in a single dose .
Inactivated type of vaccine ("dead" virus particles used) .
May provide increased immunity over other types of flu vaccines due to the reactions of specialized immune system cells available in the skin .
Preservative free .
Injected into the skin layers, usually in the upper arm (deltoid) area .
Microinjection system provides: .
Improved acceptance by needle-averse individuals .
Needle is not readily visible to the patient .
Needle size 90% smaller than IM needles, 30 gauge .
Needle depth 1.5 mm .
Smaller amount of vaccine solution injected 0.1 mL .
Less antigen per injection, 27 mcg compared to 45 mcg IM .
Trials indicate less pain with injections .
Can cause more local injection site symptoms of mild to moderate redness, swelling, and other site reactions than IM, for 3-7 days .
Fewer systemic reactions (fever, headaches, muscle aches, etc.) .
75% of trial participants were very satisfied .
96% of clinicians giving the ID vaccines would recommend Anecdotal information from some WikiAnswers contributors: .
I just got back home from getting mine, and it did hurt worse than the seasonal flu shot that I got before. .
When I got my swine flu shot I was pleasantly surprised to have less local reaction to the shot than with other flu shots. Usually, my arm will get red where they put the shot and be very sore when I try to move it for several days. It did not do this with my swine flu vaccination. (If you get a sore arm, the thing to do to make it better faster is to use it normally.) See the related questions and links below for more information.
Who invented the Swine Flu vaccine?
It was not invented as a new product, just a modification of the previous flu vaccines. The vaccine is made exactly like flu vaccines have been made for decades, the only difference is in the virus the vaccine contains. Selecting the right strain of the H1N1/09 swine flu virus that would provide the best immunity for the most people was a joint effort between the US CDC, WHO, and various countries' departments of health. Once the strain was isolated and grown, the "seed" viruses were provided to approved manufacturers to develop, test, and market vaccines made with them. Since 2004, the US Health and Human Services (HHS) has contracted with manufacturers that currently hold U.S. licenses for flu vaccine as part of the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. In May 2009, HHS issued new orders on these contracts to produce a bulk supply of vaccine antigen and adjuvant and to produce pilot (also called investigational) lots of a 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The Swiss pharmaceuticals company, Novartis AG, announced June 14, 2009 that it had successfully produced a first batch of swine flu vaccine weeks ahead of expectations. This was attributed partially to the good quality and selection of the seed stock of the virus provided by CDC for the manufacturers to use. The initial vaccine was produced at a Novartis plant in Marburg, Germany.
What are the names of the vaccines approved for the Swine Flu?
For the US: For the 2011-2012 flu season in the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of six vaccines on July 18, 2011. These approved trivalent vaccines will all contain vaccine for the H1N1/09 "Swine Flu" and two other viruses suggested by CDC for this season (see more below). These approved vaccines are: .
Afluria (CSL Limited) .
Fluarix (Glaxo Smith Kline Biologicals) .
FluLaval (ID Biomedical Corporation) .
FluMist (MedImmune Vaccines, Inc.) .
Fluvirin (Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited) .
Fluzone, Fluzone High-Dose, Fluzone Intradermal (Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.) The Fluzone Intradermal is a new formulation for administration in the layers of the skin (intradermal injection) instead of the intramuscular (IM) injection. Fluzone Intradermal administration uses a microinjection system with a very fine needle. Approved for those aged 18 through 64. The CDC-approved trivalent vaccines for this flu season will protect against the following three virus strains: .
A/California/7/09 (H1N1)-like virus (Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus) .
A/Victoria/210/2009 X-187~~ [A/Perth/16/2009/ (H3N2)-like virus] .
B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus See the FDA announcement in the related links section below. In the UK and other European Countries: One of the vaccines approved by EMEA for use in Europe in the 2009-2010 flu season was "Pandemrix" (see information in links below) for use by injection, and another is "Focetria" which is also for injection.
Where are the Swine Flu vaccines injected?
They are either intramuscular (injected into the muscle tissue) or are intradermal (injected between the layers of the skin, new in the US in the 2011-2012 flu season) and are usually put in the upper arm of an adult or child over 10 and in the thigh muscle of younger children and infants. Each clinician who prepares and gives the shots will decide the best location for the person receiving the injection based on their body's muscular development and other individual considerations patient by patient. There are also nasal spray vaccines that some people (healthy people aged 2 - 49) can take. See the related questions below for more information.
How do you administer the Swine Flu vaccine?
It is given either in an intramuscular shot (IM ~ in the muscle) or there is also an intranasal spray vaccine that is sprayed as a mist into the nose. New in the 2011-2012 flu season is a new type of flu vaccine that is administered as an intradermal (ID) injection using a special microinjection system that uses a 90% smaller needle and needs less vaccine than other administrative methods for the same results. Unless you are a health care provider, you don't administer flu vaccinations yourself. The job of administering it falls on trained health care providers. In the 2011-2012 flu season in the US, the swine flu vaccine is included in the regular "seasonal" flu vaccination.
Are there porcine ingredients in the swine flu vaccine?
No, except the virus itself does contain portions of DNA from swine, human and avian influenza genomes. The only protein used in the manufacture of the vaccine was from chicken eggs in which the virus was grown for production. There are tiny/trace amounts of that. For a full list of ingredients of the various vaccines see the related question below.
Can you get the Swine Flu from the vaccine?
No. The shot contains a killed version of the virus, and while the nasal spray does contain a live version of the virus, it has been modified to be too weak to be able to cause the flu.
What is the vaccine for Swine Flu called?
This is not a full list for world-wide, but in the US the following brand names of flu vaccines from the listed manufacturers contain vaccine for swine flu (and two other flu strains) and have been approved for use in the 2010-2011 flu season by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): .
Afluria (CSL Limited) .
Agriflu (Novartis) .
Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline PLC) .
FluLaval (ID Biomedical Corp.) .
Fluvirin (Novartis) .
FluMist (MedImmune/AstraZeneca PLC) .
Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose (Sanofi-Pasteur Inc.) Other countries have approved brands made by other manufacturers that they may use in addition to some of those listed above, such as: .
Celvapan (Baxter International Inc.) - approved for UK, Ireland, New Zealand and a few other countries. .
HNVAC (Bharat Biotech) - India
Why do you have to get vaccinated for the Swine Flu?
In the US, the vaccination is highly recommended but not mandatory, except for health care workers in certain states (e.g., New York) where state laws have been enacted to prevent health care workers from working with or near patients if they have not had a vaccination. Vaccines can prevent you from getting the swine flu and in some people that may prevent them from feeling very ill and maybe even prevent some deaths.
Where do you get the Swine Flu vaccine?
you can get the swine flu vacine from ur pharmasist or doctor.the sooner you do it, the quicker you get better. i hope this helped XD ik its alot of info but its good
When was the Swine Flu vaccine made?
The swine flu vaccine was quickly made as soon as possible after isolation of the virus in the spring of 2009. It was approved for use in the US by the Food and Drug Administration on September 15, 2009.
Can you get the Swine Flu from someone who is vaccinated?
To get the swine flu, from someone, he/she has to expell viruses from his/her body by talking, caughting etc... Thus he/she has to be infected by the virus. Someone efficiently vaccinated (who've been vaccinated before contratcing the virus) will have his natural defenses detroying the virus before it can develop. This person will be immune. It mean the virus can't live in his/her organism. If there is no living virus there, you can't get it!
Can you get the Swine Flu after you have taken the vaccine?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "The effectiveness of inactivated influenza vaccine depends primarily on the age and immunocompetence of the vaccine recipient, and the degree of similarity between the viruses in the vaccine and those in circulation." It is possible to get the swine flu even after taking a swine flu vaccination due to the above factors, and due to several other possible reasons: .
You had it already before you got the vaccine and just had not shown symptoms yet; or, .
between the time you took the vaccination and your body developed the full immunity (this can take as long as two weeks, but with the 2009 Swine flu vaccine it is expected to be only 8 - 10 days for healthy adults), you caught the flu; or, .
you may have caught a strain of flu that was different than the strain that was included in the vaccine, and so the vaccination would not provide immunity to the other strain. This can happen when there are mutations that significantly change the flu strain; or, .
because vaccines are not 100% effective in all people. For example, the 2009 seasonal flu vaccine was found in clinical trials to be expected to reduce laboratory-confirmed influenza by approximately 70% to 90% in healthy adults
Is having Swine Flu as good as the Swine Flu vaccination?
If you actually had laboratory confirmation that you had the A-H1N1/09 influenza, then you would be as or better protected from that same virus from then on for life. The vaccination is proven in clinical trials to be approximately 90% effective in adults with healthy immune systems. One of the reasons the vaccines are is not 100% effective is that the strain of the virus that is chosen to be the one in the vaccine may not be as good a match for the exact strain you catch in the wild, since there can be slight mutations. However, the vaccination is proven safe and effective as any seasonal flu vaccines are, so if you are not sure 100% by laboratory testing that this is the flu you had, you should go ahead and get a vaccination. If you did have the same flu, there is no problem with having the vaccination too.
Can you get Swine Flu if you have been vaccinated?
The level of immunity conferred from a vaccine depends on how well your immune system functions and how closely the vaccine matches the virus you encounter. If you have a compromised immune system, or the virus has mutated significantly since the vaccine was developed, you may also get the flu despite a vaccination. Additionally, it will take 10-14 days for the vaccine to be effective, and during that time, you can still get swine flu. See the related question below for more information on what might allow you to have illness from the flu after a flu shot.
What can happen if you get the Swine Flu vaccination and you get Swine Flu will you have to get the vaccination again?
Vaccinations work to give you immunity to infectious diseases by tricking your immune system into thinking you have the virus which makes it develop an immune response and make the antibodies you need to be immune. You can also get immunity by having had the infection. So, you should already be immune through both mechanisms, there would be no reason to get another vaccination. If you had a swine flu vaccination and then got the diagnosis of swine flu, you did not get it because your vaccination wasn't good and you did not get it from the vaccination. You either had the flu before you got the vaccination but the symptoms had not yet shown up, or you caught the flu between the time of getting the shot and when you had achieved immunity from the shot (it usually takes a week or two with most flu infections to develop the immunity).
Is the Swine Flu vaccine a spray?
There are H1N1/09 flu vaccines for three different administrative routes now. The three formulations of vaccine are for intranasal, intramuscular and now also intradermal administration. The intranasal spray is misted into the nose, the intramuscular injection is the well-known "flu shot"/"flu jab", and the intradermal is provided with its own micro-injection system using a tiny needle to inject the vaccine just under the layers of the skin. The flu vaccines for injection are made with an inactivated H1N1 virus, meaning that the virus has been altered in such a way that it cannot reproduce in the body and cause infection (it is "dead"). In contrast, the intranasal mist is made with an attenuated or weakened virus which provides the same immunity with a less invasive administration. LAIV (live attenuated influenza vaccine) does not have to be injected to create the immunity like the inactivated vaccines. But as a weakened virus, it is also incapable of causing influenza illness. Children 10 years old and under need two vaccinations, regardless of the type of vaccine, to provide them with the immunity since they have immature immune systems. One initial vaccination followed in about a month by a second vaccination "booster", will, in about 2 or 3 weeks after that, have caused their immune systems to produce enough antibodies to give them full immunity.
Where do you get your Swine Flu vaccination shot?
You can get it this flu season (2010-2011) any place you can get the seasonal "regular" flu shot (if you are in the US), since it is included with the standard flu vaccine this year, no separate vaccination is required like in 2009. There is no shortage of the vaccine. Places in the US that provide vaccinations for the flu are most national chain pharmacies (such as CVS, Walgreen's, Walmart, Kroger, etc.) and some smaller retail pharmacies in your local area (call first to see if they are giving them). In addition many health care providers and walk in care centers are providing them. If you have a regular physician you can call to see if they are providing them to their patients and if not, they can probably help you find a location near you.
How many vaccines are there for the Swine Flu?
Two. In the 2010-2011 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, the vaccine for the H1N1/09 virus is available included in the regular seasonal flu vaccination. There are two types of these vaccines, one for injection and one for nasal spray administration. There is no need for a separate swine flu shot this year like in the pandemic of 2009.
When was the Swine Flu vaccine approved?
The swine flu vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on September 15, 2009.
Can you be a swine flu carrier if you are being vaccinated?
Almost never. This is because the vaccines are made with either totally inactive "dead" flu virus particles or they are made with severely weakened particles that are unable to make an otherwise healthy adult ill. There has been some concern that patients with compromised immune systems can catch the flu if they come in close contact with a person who, immediately prior to the contact, received a flu vaccination made with the live attenuated form of the vaccine, such as the nasal spray. There will be some virus particles that could come in contact with the person with the immune suppression, but only for a limited time period. That means that you are not technically a "carrier" but only that you could have some virus particles on you that are still active enough to infect someone with lowered defenses until they are removed from your body or are made inactive by your immune system.
Can you die from the Swine Flu vaccination?
There have been no reported deaths from this shot. Some people get some side affects, but nothing more serious than nausea and muscle aches or fatigue.
When should you get the Swine Flu vaccine?
Get your swine flu (H1N1/09) vaccination prior to the fall and winter flu season in your location. That is right now (October - March) in the Northern Hemisphere. The vaccine for swine flu prevention is included in the regular seasonal flu vaccines in the 2010-2011 flu season, so unlike 2009, there is only a single vaccination required to cover all types of flu that are anticipated to reach us during this season.
Does the flu shot have swine ingredients?
No. The only animal product in the vaccine is egg or chicken protein remnants from the culturing process of the flu virus, and that is in microscopic amounts. See the related question for more information on the ingredients of the swine flu shot.
What age do you have to be to get the Swine Flu vaccination?
It depends on the formulation of the vaccine that you choose or are able to use. There are injections (IM and ID), and nasal sprays, with different age indications. None are given to infants under 6 months old. For the age recommendations for the various swine flu formulations, see the related question below.
Can you still get Swine Flu after the vaccine?
Absolutely, the vaccine simply builds up your immune system - one can still become infected.
Can you be a carrier of Swine Flu if you have had the influenza vaccine?
No. With the flu there are three "states of infectivity". You either: 1. have the virus and can then spread it to others, or 2. you don't have the flu or the virus, or 3. you have recovered from one type of the flu and no longer get infected by it, which means you also can not infect others anymore with that same type of flu (once you go without a fever for 24 hours). The only precautions for flu vaccinations are for those who have been given the intranasal spray vaccine. Since it is made with the live but weakened (attenuated) virus particles, it is best to avoid being in contact with anyone who is immune compromised immediately after the spray is given or to get the inactivated vaccine instead of the nasal sprays if you expect to be with someone with an immune deficiency. The other flu vaccines use inactive "dead" viruses, so they will not cause flu in you or in anyone you are around after the vaccination. The manufacturer of the live attenuated nasal spray flu vaccine says that you should not get this type of vaccination if you will be in close contact with "a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit)." That is the closest situation that might be thought of as corresponding with being a "carrier" of swine flu (but it is not a "carrier" in the usual medical sense of the word).
Does the Swine Flu vaccination stop you getting Swine Flu?
Yes, that is what vaccinations do. They help your immune system learn how to fight off the disease before you get it. After a vaccination, your body has developed those specific germ fighting cells and has them ready and waiting to kick germ butt. See the related questions below for more information on how vaccinations work.
Why are vaccines for Swine Flu not available?
They are available now. In fact, in the 2010-2011 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, the regular seasonal flu vaccination includes the vaccine for H1N1/09 (swine flu). If you already had the vaccine in the 2009-2010 season, it will not harm you and might help you to get it again along with the vaccines for the other flu viruses expected in this flu season.
Can you have the swine flu vaccine if feeling unwell?
Usually it is okay unless you have a fever, but depending on what is making you feel unwell, there may be other contraindications, so you could contact your doctor first, or if you go to the location for the vaccination, talk to the clinician there to find out if your symptoms would prevent you from getting the shot. You could also call and ask your pharmacist for information.
Why is it important to get the Swine Flu vaccination?
It's not THAT important, unless your immune system isn't quite that strong - swine flu vaccinations are to make you "immune" to the disease. They inject just enough into your body that your immune system will fight them and develop antibodies, which will protect you from falling ill next time. But the bacterium will change, and so you'll have to get more vaccinations after a little while.
What is the Swine Flu vaccination called?
In the UK: Pandemrix and Celvapan The brand names and manufacturers for the vaccines approved for use in the US are: .
Afluria, CSL Limited; .
Agriflu, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics; .
Fluarix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals; .
FluLaval, ID Biomedical Corporation; .
FluMist, MedImmune Vaccines Inc. (the nasal spray); .
Fluvirin, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited; and, .
Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose, Sanofi Pasteur Inc. 2009 H1N1 monovalent vaccine
What is the name of swine flu vaccine?
In the 2012 - 2013 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, there are the following vaccines approved for use in the US: .
AFLURIA Trivalent made by CSL/Merck .
AGRIFLU made by Novartis .
FLUARIX Trivalent made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals .
FLULAVAL Trivalent made by ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec .
FLUVIRIN Trivalent made by Novartis .
FLUZONE made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. .
FLUZONE - High Dose made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. .
FLUZONE-Intradermal made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
Does the swine flu vaccine cause sterility?
No. The mere statement of a conspiracy theory does not lend any credence to the statement. If you want proof of a claim, back it up by verifiable, scientific sources.