Story Published:
Oct 26, 2009 at 6:10 PM MST
Story Updated:
Oct 26, 2009 at 6:30 PM MST
BILLINGS - There are two ways you can be vaccinated against H1N1 if you so chose. H1N1 vaccinations are given either intranasally or by an injection.
The nasal spray vaccine is a live, weakened form of the flu strain and is sprayed directly into each nostril. It does not contain thimerosal, a mecury-based preservative used in vaccines to prevent bacteria growth. The live vaccine virus is weakened so it will not cause an individual to become ill, however here are the side effects some people experience after receiving the nasal spray.
For children and adolescents 2-to-17 years of age the symptoms include: runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, headache and muscle aches, fever, wheezing, abdominal pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea.
For adults 18-to-49 years of age side effects include: runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, chills, or tiredness, and headache.
The nasal spray vaccine is approved for people age 2-to-49 years old who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions. You can visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's website for a full list of who should not receive the vaccine.
Children two to nine should get two doses of the vaccine about a month apart. Experts with the CDC said you are not contagious after receiving the nasal spray. They said the virus is in such a weakened state that it is not transmissible. The other option for vaccination is the inactivated flu shot. It is injected into the muscle.
Multi-dose vials will contain the mercury-based preservative thimerosal to prevent potential contamination after the vial is opened. However, most single-dose units of the vaccine will not contain it. Talk to your physician about receiving a dosage with the least amount of thimerosal if you are concerned.
Currently, the H1N1 shot is recommended for pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than six months, health care and emergency medical workers, anyone 6 months to 24 years old, or anyone 25-to-64 years with chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.
Side effects for the shot include: inflammation at the site where the shot was given, fainting, headache and muscle aches, fever and nausea. Symptoms can last one to two days.
Like the nasal spray, federal guidelines say children through nine years should get two doses of the shot about a month apart.
You should not receive either H1N1 vaccination if you are allergic to eggs. Visit the CDC's website for further details of who should not receive a flu shot. Experts with the CDC say life-threatening allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.
For further details about H1N1 flu vaccinations, click here.
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