Swine Flu Vaccination – Pros and Cons
At the moment, the H1N1 vaccine is available in limited quantities. However, supplies are increasing on a daily basis, and both injectable and nasal spray type vaccines are available. However, different members of the medical community have opposing views on whether it’s a good idea to get vaccinated right away. Some people believe that we need to receive vaccinations as soon as possible, while others are advocating a more cautious approach. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of getting vaccinated.
Cons of the Vaccine
Currently, there’s little information about the vaccine available from the FDA, and some doctors are telling their pharmacies not to recommend it this early in the season. After all, while vaccines are generally safe, production was begun before FDA testing had been completed. This was so that the H1N1 vaccine would be available in time for the flu season. Clinical studies are currently ongoing, says the FDA, which means that all the evidence isn’t in just yet. Some people believe that this vaccine could cause problems or that it might not be needed as much as previously thought.
Pros of the Vaccine
Immunization is considered an important part of preventing pandemics. This is why some want to vaccinate as many people as they can, as quickly as they can. Distribution before testing was complete is defended as the only choice if the vaccine was to be distributed in time for the flu season. It’s also said that inspectors took no shortcuts, even though the production speed was increased. The methods used to produce ordinary seasonal flu vaccines and the vaccine for H1N1 (sometimes called Swine Flu) are different.
People in favor of vaccination note that children and people with weak immune systems are at significant risk for contracting this virus. Currently, the limited supplies are being prioritized for health care workers, children and young adults (between six months and twenty-four years of age), adults caring for infants under six months old, pregnant women, and adults with compromised immune systems, asthma, or other conditions that could put them in danger.