Two Flu Shots Part Two
I asked Harriet Hall why kids need two flu shots a few posts back.
And then I heard through that pesky old grapevine that actually kids might only need one H1N1 shot. And it turns out that this is actually, sadly not true here in the US. From Effect Measure:
CDC says on the basis of clinical trials with the unadjuvanted vaccine used in the US that two shots, 21 days apart, are needed for children under 10. WHO, on the other hand, is telling its member nations that one will suffice. Why the confusion?
We may be comparing apples and oranges. Many countries use adjuvants in their vaccines which promote a quicker and more powerful response. It appears that a single dose is sufficient for children under 10 when there is adjuvant in the vaccine. Canada currently is using adjuvant, as are many other countries, although concerns from parents have forced the Canadians to offer an adjuvant-free option.
The US H1N1 vaccines do not contain adjuvant. An adjuvant increases immune response. I wonder if the adjuvants in the US were taken out because of anti-vaccine concerns. If so, that stinks. Our son will not have full immunity against H1N1 until about two weeks after that second shot. But we already know kids who have had H1N1.
While I am not at all terrified about Zack getting swine flu, I really, really, really would rather avoid it. But I guess we are just racing against it at this point. At least his seasonal flu shot has kicked in by now. One less thing to worry about.
Kara Said,
November 30, 2009 @ 8:22 am
I have finally been able to find the H1N1 flu shot for my 2 year old, & he’s going today for part 1. But his dr can’t guarantee or even know if they will have more in 3-4 weeks for him to get part 2. Then what?