virology blog - Latest Comments in Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Rachelgoddard — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:37:41 -0000

right tell me straight please,mty nan is frail 87 and thgink flu jab is the law.every time she has it shes very poorly,i told her two year ago dont have it ,but she has,yet again due to docs,i dont wont her to have it,shes very poorply yet again,ehy dont you just send letters out,to people who are fit and can take the jab my nan cant

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

A mom — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:23:21 -0000

Dr. Racaniello,

Did you have the H1N1 vaccination?
If not, are you planning to? There doesn't seem to be much talk about this virus in the media anymore. What are your thoughts about another wave of this virus "hitting' the United States and Canada in the coming months???

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

bewilderedmilitarywife — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:20:12 -0000

Well my husband got the shot today he is military so it was an order. He is now home sick in bed and has thrown up violently for the past 3 to 4 hours every half hour or so. Any answers?

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Marge — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:04:08 -0000

Follow-up to above post on nasal spray vaccine:
Well, finally, after two weeks, my 23-yr old daughter, who received the swine-origin H1N1 nasal spray vaccine and consequently had a bit of a headache and tonsillitis, is perfectly well again.
Perhaps the vaccine had something to do with her tonsillitis, but more likely I suppose, she coincidently had another virus lurking around which decided to confuse us by striking at that time!
I have not read of any similar reactions, so I'll have to put it down to coincidence.
Still think we'll choose the injection next time if available.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Guest — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:08:05 -0000

I received the swine-origin H1N1 shot a month ago with absolutely no ill effects. Two weeks ago, my healthy 23 year old daughter received the nasal spray for this vaccine and had a bit of a headache, sneezing, and a mild sore throat for about 3 days. The sore throat on day 4 progressed to a very swollen throat and a low-grade temperature. One week after the vaccine, she was given both a strep culture and a mononucleosis blood test, both of which came back negative. Two weeks later, her temperature is normal, she feels a bit better, but her throat still feels a little swollen. In all of this time, only the nurse at her doctor's office has seen her and not her doctor, and since her tests were negative, she was merely told to take Tylenol and rest. Two weeks later, I am wondering if her symptoms have been caused by the nasal spray vaccine, especially since it contains a live virus. I am encouraging her to be seen by her doctor on Monday (today is Saturday). I don't ignore coincidences, and it seems suspicious to me. Has anyone else had similar reactions to the swine-origin H1N1 nasal spray vaccine? Would you be inclined to suspect the vaccine in this case Prof. Racianello? I know you are not a medical doctor, but rather a virologist and scientific researcher, but your opinion would interest me.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Fred — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:42:06 -0000

I believe the CDC would like all side effects reported so they can evaluate the information. You can report and do searches here. Citizens can make their own reports if health care providers are unwilling.

http://vaers.hhs.gov/index

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

A mom — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:27:47 -0000

Just wondering about reactions to the H1N1 vaccine. My daughter had the vaccine over 2 wks ago -sore arm as expected but no other side effects . I received it the following week with just mild sensation at the injection site.
My husband was able to get the vaccine a few days ago. He went with 2 other work mates and by the next day all of them felt as if they had "the flu"....no fever but all the other classic symptoms.
Are symptoms from the vaccine any indication about a persons immune response?
Is there any medical evidence to back up suggestions that people that feel like they have "the flu" after a vaccination are better protected against-in this case- H1N1 virus?
I am more inclined to think it was perhaps the batch of vaccine as they were all vaccinated at the same time or some other effect.

A mom

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Penny — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:02:17 -0000

I got really sick too 4 days later. Fever, sore throat, and sore muscles everywhere. Had to take a week off work. I was just trying to do the responsible thing and ended up missing a week's work because we are not allowed to go to work with a fever.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

profvrr — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:40 -0000

See my recent post re Novartis vaccine. Half dose seems to be
protective. At worst it will lead to infection but milder disease.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Me — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:58:11 -0000

Had the vaccine two weeks ago (I have asthma and a heart problem) and had no reaction other than a sore and bruised arm because the nurse jabbed the needle into my arm with all the vigor of a spear fisherman. My college-aged son (has asthma and other health issues) had a nurse with a lighter hand and had no reaction at all, other than relief that I would finally quit bugging him to stay out of crowds and use hand sanitizer at 5 minute intervals. My husband works in an office where people insist on coming to work sick even though there was a confirmed case of H1N1 that started the chain of illnesses. He has had to resort to wearing a mask at his desk to protect himself from these people. He gets teased relentlessly but so far he has remained well while the others have fallen. He would love to get the vaccine but he is at the bottom of the priority groups and it may be a month or more before it arrives in our area. It'll be a miracle if he escapes it because of the thoughtless people he works with, but we can always hope.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Sue — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:37:21 -0000

It's highly unlikely you had H1N1 if you only had a headache and stomachache but no respiratory symptoms. Sounds more like viral gastroenteritis. In the absence of a positive H1N1 diagnosis (confirmed either by a lab test or rapid nasal swab test) you should not assume you had H1N1. The CDC recommends that people get the vaccine if they experienced some type of illness but did not have a proven case of H1N1. It will not harm you to have it even if you did have H1N1, which seems unlikely based on your symptoms.

There is no scientific evidence that homeopathy works as anything but a placebo. There is no harm in trying it for minor ailments if one is so inclined but it would be extremely unwise to rely on it to protect you from a potentially life-threatening illness.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

sue — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:12:19 -0000

No offense, but the vaccine couldn't give you a sore throat within a matter of hours nor could it make you sleepy. People think every single thing that happens to them the minute after they get the vaccine is caused by the vaccine!

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

A mom — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:58:20 -0000

My 8 year old child had the Arenpanrix vaccination yesterday. It was a half dose. Canadian guidelines are not confirmed as to whether her age group will need another half dose in 21 days.
We are to wait and see.
There was noticeable pain at the injection site, but so far that was the only discomfort.
How long would it usually take to gather the information on whether the immune response to protect from H1N1 virus is effective with just a half dose in younger children??
There seems to be differing opinions ( of course!) between the national and provincial health officials if a half dose will give the needed protection.

A mom

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

donna savage — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:43:14 -0000

i am getting it at a state clinic on Friday.
15 year old daughter got it last week

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Stacey — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:14:08 -0000

Our seven year old son has had classic signs of H1N1 virus this past week but was not lab confirmed. None of us have been vaxxed yet. The only exception was our 10 month old who received Prevnar the day before our son got sick. Baby had a low grade fever and fussiness which cleared in 3 days without any other obvious symptoms. The balance of the family have had flu like symptoms but not had the raging fever, mainly the headache and stomachache. Doc suggests we all receieve the vaccine this week. My question is: if our son did have H1N1, what are the chances based on above the rest of us are now naturally immune not requiring the vaccine and if we do now go and get it, could it be harmful or an overload to our immune systems? And, what do you think about the Homeopathic remedies out there for treatment of the virus. Do you have any experience with them?

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

profvrr — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:02:32 -0000

Of course you have a choice whether to immunize against influenza or
not; it's not required. I try to post information here that can help
everyone make decisions, based on the idea that by understanding the
underlying science you can make a better choice. We do try to learn
from past vaccine mistakes, but errors will always happen. My advice
is always to balance the risk of influenza with the risk of side
effects. The inactivated influenza vaccine has been produced for a
very long time and it has an excellent safety record. On the other
hand, half a million people die each year of flu and more might die
this year.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Amanda Grifka — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:55:19 -0000

I'm on the fence and scared as hell about my choices! First off the reason I don't want to jump at the chance of vaccinations is that Ive seen too many photographs of cases of people suffering from a rush job on vaccines example polio and the swine flu of the 70's! ANd the arguement would be now that medical information has progressed so much from then till now , but the fact is if this was an old disease and a cure worked on for a few decades I would take it , but it's not. I don't want my childrens mutated bodies in some future text books illustrating how the first vaccines for the H1N1 Virus had serious side effects!

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

andy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:04:18 -0000

Yes I think that would be very, very helpful to your northern neighbours. I am going to steer my medical doctor(and my non-vaccinating friends in the health care professions) to your site as she has concerns that I think would be answered with a post like you mentioned. The information re MF59 makes me feel much better about the adjuvant. (So did a previous response where you discussed that the non-adjuvenated vaccine produces as good of an immune response as the adjuvenated.) Thank-you for taking the time.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

profvrr — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:28:52 -0000

I fully understand that many have concerns about AS03; I am not trying
to minimize them but present my explanation of what is known. AS03,
made by GSK, contains squalene, DL-alpha-tocopherol (a vitamin E
derivative) and tween 80. A very similar adjuvant made by Novartis is
MF59, which contains squalene, tween 80, and the surfactant sorbitan
trioleate. While AS03 has not been extensively tested, MF59 has been
used in influenza vaccines in Europe for many years without serious
consequences. There are over 30 peer-reviewed publications describing
the use of MF59 in vaccines. This may mitigate everyone's concerns
about squalene. Would it be useful to write a post summarizing our
experience with both adjuvants?

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

andy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:03:33 -0000

I have been following this Blog and am also thrilled to have found it. I am also concerned with the adjuvenant. I also have had many, many discussions with various M.D. friends and other health care professionals and I must say they are as confused as anyone. If not confused, certainly not uniform on their choices for their children. It is simply the lack of scientific studies (or are there some out there from European countries?) in children regarding this. Then they throw in the thimerosal to make people more scared which concerns me less than the possible long term effects of squalene. No, I am not blaming GWsyndrome on it but it is immunogenic and the lack of safety studies doesn't sit right with me. I routinely vaccinate my children and like to be as evidence based as I can when making these decisions and there lies my problem. I think that both of my kids have had a good case of it anyhow, but may consider the non adjuvenated single dose version if available.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

A mom — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:52:30 -0000

My concern is regarding the Adjuvant and lack of testing in children. I have had my concerns due to information given to me by those I know in the health field ( one a nurse in Cardio and other professionals) I am very happy to have found your blog- it is great to get information from a "proper" source !
Thanks
A mom

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

bubbbles — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:41:36 -0000

besides what the fuk does this have to do with fuking tap water!!!!!!

YOU DUMB PIECE OF CRAPPY SHIT.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

profvrr — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:23:32 -0000

Yes, I would immunize my children with Arepanrix if that what was
available here in the US. What is your concern about that vaccine?

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

A mom — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:19:24 -0000

Dr. Racaniello,

Would you vaccinate your 8 year old (healthy) child if they were going to get the Canadian vaccine-Arenpanrix??

Thanks
Another confused parent.

Re: Are you receiving the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine?

Jennifer — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:44:42 -0000

My husband, my three sons (ages 8, 5, and 3) and myself received 2009-10 seasonal vaccine (IM injection) in early October. We then received the novel H1N1 vaccine, also by IM injection, 2 November. The vaccine was drawn from a multidose container using aseptic technique; the preservative was listed as thimerosal.

All of us fall into the priority group, and my husband and myself meet multiple priority group requirements (direct contact with high-risk groups and a history of moderate to severe asthma).
None of us experienced any side effects beyond the usual post-IM injection pain (modified by giving each patient appropriate doses of ibuprofen one hour before the injection and then q6h x2 days after the injection).

I had (and continue to have) no qualms regarding the thimerosal preservative or the "untested" nature of the vaccine (a popular reason given by otherwise intelligent and well-educated parents and staff in my sons' elementary school, when I proposed holding an H1N1 vaccine clinic).

It worries me terribly that, at least in my middle-to-upper class neighbourhood, very few priority patients are making any effort to find H1N1 vaccination clinics and some of the parents of paediatric priority patients are actively declining both the seasonal vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine. Some parents have commented that since other children are vaccinated, their child is protected de facto; despite my best efforts, these parents do not seem able or willing to understand the concept of herd health.

I believe, unfortunately, that it will take the hospitalisation or death of an otherwise healthy child (e.g., one with no underlying health problems diagnosed pre- or post-mortem) before these recalcitrant parents will vaccinate their children, and even then, I am not sure that denial (this couldn't happen to me, that parent must have done something wrong) will not still keep these parents beholden to the various myths floating around regarding the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines as well as other vaccines.

Just as a side note, I have heard anecdotal reports of the H1N1 injectable vaccine being more painful than usual. I did not pre- or post-medicate my own self with ibuprofen for either vaccine and if anything, the H1N1 was less painful than the seasonal vaccine. Please note that this is my subjective experience and I do not know what gauge needle was used for the seasonal vaccine; for the H1N1 vaccine was administered via a 25 x 1 1/4" bevelled needle.