H1N1 Vaccine Side Effects

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Flu vaccines are used to immunize individuals against influenza. All flu vaccines for the 2011/2012 season offer protection from the two main categories of flu viruses: influenza type A and influenza type B. Swine flu (H1N1), is categorized as a type A virus, and therefore is prevented by the administration of a standard flu vaccine.[1]

There are two types of flu vaccines: a nasal spray vaccine (FluMist), and an injectable flu shot, branded as Fluvirin, FluZone and Flushield. The flu shot contains inactive virus and is approved for use in individuals over the age of 6 months. FluMist contains a live, weakened virus and is approved for individuals between the ages of 2 – 49 who are not pregnant.[1]

The flu vaccine is usually administered between October and March, during “flu season” in the United States. Potential FluMist side effects include runny nose or nasal congestion, fever, and sore throat.[2] Additional side effects of the flu shot include muscle soreness and irritation at the injection site.



Flickr: Offutt Air Force Base
Brand name for Influenza vaccine live intranasal (FluMist); influenza virus vaccine (FluZone, FluShield, Fluvirin)
Manufacturer MedImmune, LLC (FluMist); Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. (FluZone)
Uses Immunizes against influenza subtypes A and B
Common side effects Congestion, fever, headache, runny nose
Who should not take the H1N1 vaccine? Patients with egg allergies; those who have had severe reactions to previous flu vaccines
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common H1N1 Flu Vaccine Side Effects

Side effects of the H1N1 vaccine, as well as all flu vaccines, are generally mild in nature. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that all adults and children over the age of six months get vaccinated, as the risks associated with contracting the flu are vastly higher than the side effects of vaccines. Even pregnant women may safely get the flu shot.[1]

Common FluMist side effects include fever, headache, runny nose, and vomiting. FluMist patients may also experience some mild wheezing.[3] In addition to the common side effects listed above, flu shot recipients may experience soreness at the injection site. These adverse reactions normally go away after a few days. Although side effects may appear flu-like, they are typically not actually the flu, and do not become dangerous.[1]

The multi-dose flu vaccine vials of FluZone contain the preservative thimerosal, a mercury derivative, to safeguard against contamination once the vial is opened. While there is no significant research to support the argument that vaccines containing thimerosal are harmful to children, the CDC and FDA continue to evaluate vaccines for public safety. Since 2001, the FDA has not allowed new vaccines for children to contain thimerosal as a preservative.[4]

About Drug Side Effects

Drug Side Effects

Flu Vaccine Allergic Reactions

The use of flu vaccines is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to chickens or egg protein, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine.[2] Some types of flu shots may also be housed in products containing latex, so those with latex allergies may experience reactions. Other ingredients in flu vaccine formulations may also cause allergies in rare instances.[5]


Flu Vaccine Precautions and Warnings

  • Patients already showing signs of the flu are advised not to receive a flu vaccine.[2]
  • Flu vaccines are not suitable for patients who have contracted Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of any prior influenza vaccination.[2]
  • FluMist is contraindicated for patients with severe asthma as it can cause wheezing episodes.
  • FluMist is not approved for use in pregnant women as it has not undergone animal or human reproduction studies.[2]
  • FluZone is classified as FDA pregnancy category C, which means that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, yet there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. It is not known if FluZone will harm an unborn baby or if FluZone can pass through breast milk in nursing mothers.[6]

Also See: Flu Shot Side Effects, Fluarix Side Effects, FluLaval Side Effects, Fluzone Side Effects, Fluzone High-Dose Side Effects Free Flu Shots, Tamiflu Coupons, Theraflu Coupons

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002733/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=f8c5927d-7c77-4860-b000-c11571b35d78
  3. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002025.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/thimerosal.htm
  5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-2157-INFLUENZA+VIRUS+VACCINE+-+SYRINGE+INTRAMUSCULAR.aspx?drugid=156417&drugname=Fluzone+2011-2012+(PF)+IM&source=0
  6. ↑ https://www.vaccineshoppe.com/image.cfm?pi=flu&image_type=product_pdf
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