Will the new H1N1 vaccine be safe, even for children? Are you testing it?
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all children between 6 months and 18 years of age get the novel H1N1 vaccine. This is because there have been many cases of novel H1N1 influenza (flu) in children. They are also in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of spreading the disease.
Vaccine trials for the novel H1N1 flu are currently being conducted. You can contact the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which is conducting the trials for the vaccines. For more information, please visit the following Web sites:
Questions and Answers: Clinical Trials of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccines Conducted by the NIAID-Supported Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/QA/vteuH1N1qa.htm
NIAID Set to Launch Clinical Trials to Test 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Candidates http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/VTEU_H1N1.htm
Once the trials have been completed and more information is known about the vaccine, more information will be available through the CDC. Please continue to check the Flu.gov Web site for the latest information on vaccines.
Please note: The H1N1 vaccine is not a replacement for the seasonal flu vaccine. It's important that your child also gets the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available in your community. The H1N1 vaccine is to be used with the seasonal flu vaccine.
Vaccines, like any medication, can have side effects. But, in general, it's more dangerous to get sick with the virus than it is to get the vaccine. If you have any questions or concerns about whether you, or someone you know, should get the novel H1N1 vaccine, you should talk to a doctor.
For more information about novel H1N1 vaccine recommendations, please visit the CDC Web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm
Last Reviewed: 09/15/2009
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