There are three formulations of H1N1 influenza vaccination available: the swine flu nasal spray vaccination, swine flu shot with thimerosal, and swine flu shot without thimerosal. These vaccines are developed similarly to seasonal flu vaccines, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considering H1N1 vaccination as a strain change in the seasonal flu vaccine rather than a completely new vaccine.
Mild Side Effects of Swine Flu Vaccine:
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases of side effects from the Swine flu vaccination are mild.
Nasal Spray:
Although some people are concerned about the safety of using live virus vaccines like flu mist nasal spray for H1N1, certain individuals should avoid this vaccination, including children under two years of age, pregnant women, and asthma patients.
Swine Flu Shot with and without Thimerosal:
Swine flu injections, containing an inactivated form of the virus, are commonly used to provide immunity against H1N1. The CDC recommends swine flu shots for the general public, with exceptions for babies under three months old. Side effects of flu shots may include headache, muscle ache, fever, nausea, and redness and swelling at the injection site.
Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in some vaccines, has been questioned regarding its association with autism in children. However, numerous studies have found no link between mercury content in vaccines and autism, and the FDA has approved the use of H1N1 flu shots with thimerosal for preventing swine flu.
Severe Side Effects of Swine Flu Vaccine:
While severe side effects of swine flu vaccination are rare, they may include severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling in the face, weakness, rapid heart rate, dizziness, hardening of skin or dry skin patches, and bruising. These effects are typically evident within a few minutes of vaccine administration.
It is advisable to consult with your local health department or doctor before getting the swine flu vaccination to determine the best option for you.