Is it the seasonal flu, swine flu or other shots: which do you need?
Posted on: 10/27/2009
By Emmanuel A. Quaidoo, MD
Each year, the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices review the schedule of recommended vaccines for adults in the United States. This year, it has recommended that certain target groups should receive the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine.
While there have been safety concerns raised about the H1N1 vaccine, it is actually prepared by the same process as the seasonal flu vaccine using a different strain. Every year, new strains of the influenza vaccine are prepared based on the CDC’s prediction of the strain or strains most likely to be prevalent. The vaccine is safely administered to millions and side-effects are few and usually mild. Now is a good time to assess one’s risk for these diseases, discuss with your doctor about prevention and to consider receiving the shot.
The H1N1 vaccine is recommended for the following:
1) Persons aged 6 mo to 24 yrs
2) Pregnant women
3) Health and emergency medical services personnel
4) People living with or who care for children younger than 6 mo old
5) Persons aged 25 to 64 years with compromised immune systems or chronic health problems including cardiovascular and respiratory conditions
Current studies suggest that persons older than 64 have a lower risk of contracting swine flu; however, depending on the supply of vaccine, it is advised that all persons should eventually receive the vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for:
1) Children aged 6 mo to 19 years
2) Pregnant women
3) People of any age with chronic conditions such as respiratory (including asthma) and cardiovascular diseases
4) People aged 50years and older
5) Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6) People living with or who care for others at high risk of complications from the flu. These include healthcare workers, household contacts and caregivers for children less than 6 mo old.
Both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines can safely be given together. Persons with weakened immune systems, respiratory and other conditions such as asthma should however not receive the live (nasal) form of these vaccines.
Other vaccines to consider receiving at this time include the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax). It is recommended for persons with chronic lung disease, smokers, and persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular or liver disease as well as nursing home and log-term care facility residents. Persons with immunocompromised conditions including those on certain medications used for arthritis and autoimmune diseases as well as persons older than 65 years should also receive this vaccine. A onetime re-vaccination after 5 years is recommended for some including those over 65 years old.
Herpes zoster vaccination (“shingles vaccine”) is recommended for adults 60 years and older, regardless of whether they previously had shingles. As this is a “live” vaccine however, persons who are immunocompromised including those on certain medications should not receive this vaccine. Our AAIR Research department is currently performing a clinical study involving administration of this vaccine to persons who are on chronic oral steroid therapy and volunteers are welcome. You may contact us at 585-442-1980.
You should discuss with your doctor your specific indication as well as risks for receiving these and other vaccines such as a tetanus booster, hepatitis B and the meningitis vaccine. The CDC website www.cdc.gov/vaccines/default.htm is a good source of information
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