H1N1 vaccine & clinical

ybq2008 · Dec 6, 2009

I got the vaccine last week. I had similar concerns, but at the end of it all, I didn't want to make my patients sick in the clinical setting. H1N1 is really spreading here, so I'm sure I've already been exposed and may have actually had a mild version of it (one never can be sure without a culture anyway), but I didn't want to take any chances. I've had no side effects thus far, but the stories of other college-aged healthy students on vents and other life-supporting devices make me shake the nerves and get the vaccine. I guess we'll see what happens...

Good luck with your decision!

zeppzepp2009 · Dec 6, 2009

We are required to have the seasonal flu and H1N1 for clinicals. If we decline we are required to wear a mask the whole day, as long as we are in the facility. I got my seasonal shot but still have not gotten the H1N1 yet.

Lajimolala, BSN, RN, NP · Dec 6, 2009

I was not comfortable getting the H1N1 because I wanted to wait to see the side effects on other people. I've heard some rumors about it, and I just wanted to be on the safe side. However, beginning next semester, all clinical sites required us to have our H1N1 vaccine. So I got it, and I'm happy to report that, at least for me, it really wasn't bad. I think had more of a reaction with the seasonal flu shot than I did with the H1N1 vaccine (nothing more than mild flu-like symptoms for one day). I got the nasal spray, by the way.

Little_Babycatcher · Dec 6, 2009

Our school is offering it, but we weren't required to get it. I did though, because I work as a PCT on a Mother-Infant unit and deal with H1N1 on a daily basis. Plus I have a 3 month old at home to think about.

That seems pretty ridiculous for you to fail a clinical because you chose not to get a vaccine that hasn't yet been FDA approved, but we all know some silly school/hospital policies don't we? If you truly don't feel comfortable getting it then I would try to contact your Dean to see if something can be done.

ybq2008 · Dec 6, 2009

I was not comfortable getting the H1N1 because I wanted to wait to see the side effects on other people. I've heard some rumors about it, and I just wanted to be on the safe side. However, beginning next semester, all clinical sites required us to have our H1N1 vaccine. So I got it, and I'm happy to report that, at least for me, it really wasn't bad. I think had more of a reaction with the seasonal flu shot than I did with the H1N1 vaccine (nothing more than mild flu-like symptoms for one day). I got the nasal spray, by the way.

Our program has not required it, but it strongly encourages it thus far. We haven't gotten clinical placements for next semester yet, so that may change very soon.

As far as the nasal spray is concerned, be REALLY careful. I was told by my school's student health clinic that you shed the virus for 21 days with the nasal spray, so you're actually somewhat contagious. (Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/nasalspray_qa.htm)

Our school only allowed health care students to take the vaccine. Its being given free at the student health center. You might want to share that with your classmates, if they don't know.

CaptScrubs13 · Dec 6, 2009

Thank you everyone for your replies!

Now my only dilemma is actually going. They scheduled this thing from 9-11 (first come, first serve) when at least 3 nursing classes run from 8:30-11:30 .. and it's the last class before the final! Sheesh sometimes I really don't understand why they do the things they do.

itsmejuli · Dec 7, 2009

As far as the nasal spray is concerned, be REALLY careful. I was told by my school's student health clinic that you shed the virus for 21 days with the nasal spray, so you're actually somewhat contagious. (Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/nasalspray_qa.htm)

I've been working in health clinics giving the H1N1 vaccination in both mist and shot form to adults and children. We've seen nor heard of any significant health risks associated with this vaccine. We've immunized thousands of people.

I read that entire article and nowhere in there does it say anything about anyone "shedding the virus for 21 days".

Don't believe everything you hear.

This is taken directly from the site above:

"

Can people receiving the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV pass the vaccine viruses to others?

In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts occurred only rarely. The current estimated risk of getting infected with vaccine virus after close contact with a person vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is low (0.6%-2.4%). Because the viruses are weakened, infection is unlikely to result in influenza illness symptoms since the vaccine viruses have not been shown change into typical or naturally occurring influenza viruses.

Can contacts of people with weakened immune systems get the nasal-spray flu vaccine?

People who are in contact with others with severely weakened immune systems when they are being cared for in a protective environment (for example, people with hematopoietic stem cell transplants), should not get the nasal spray vaccine, including the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine if they will come into contact with the severely immunocompromised person within 7 days of vaccination. People who have contact with others with lesser degrees of immunosuppression (for example, people with diabetes, people with asthma taking corticosteroids, or people infected with HIV) can get the nasal spray vaccine."

As for the FDA not approving the vaccination, take a look here, it is approved. The links below provide information from MMWR on seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines.

http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm182399.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5808a1.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm58e1204a1.htm

Please get your facts straight before posting comments. Its rumors that prevent people from getting vaccinated.

ybq2008 · Dec 7, 2009

I've been working in health clinics giving the H1N1 vaccination in both mist and shot form to adults and children. We've seen nor heard of any significant health risks associated with this vaccine. We've immunized thousands of people.
I read that entire article and nowhere in there does it say anything about anyone "shedding the virus for 21 days".
Don't believe everything you hear.
This is taken directly from the site above:
"
Can people receiving the nasal-spray flu vaccine LAIV pass the vaccine viruses to others?
In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine viruses to close contacts occurred only rarely. The current estimated risk of getting infected with vaccine virus after close contact with a person vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is low (0.6%-2.4%). Because the viruses are weakened, infection is unlikely to result in influenza illness symptoms since the vaccine viruses have not been shown change into typical or naturally occurring influenza viruses.
Can contacts of people with weakened immune systems get the nasal-spray flu vaccine?
People who are in contact with others with severely weakened immune systems when they are being cared for in a protective environment (for example, people with hematopoietic stem cell transplants), should not get the nasal spray vaccine, including the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine if they will come into contact with the severely immunocompromised person within 7 days of vaccination. People who have contact with others with lesser degrees of immunosuppression (for example, people with diabetes, people with asthma taking corticosteroids, or people infected with HIV) can get the nasal spray vaccine."
As for the FDA not approving the vaccination, take a look here, it is approved. The links below provide information from MMWR on seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines.
http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm182399.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5808a1.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm58e1204a1.htm
Please get your facts straight before posting comments. Its rumors that prevent people from getting vaccinated.

I attend one of the premier universities in this country, responsible for publishing most of the studies that the CDC cites. I was advised by medical professionals, trained using the same reference that I originally cited, that the virus is shed for 21 days after receiving this mist, which is why it is important for health care workers to be aware of this. The data on the CDC site advises health care workers who are in close contact with immune compromised patients to refrain from working with patients for 7 days after receiving the mist, as they are contagious and do shed the virus. If you remember microbiology, you understand how this works. The shedding progressively decreases after administration of the vaccine, which is why herd immunity works. I got the vaccine myself and am an advocate for all receiving it, as you are right, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this issue.

I don't think an entire university and medical center would refrain from administering the mist to their health care workers based on hear say. It would be irresponsible for the CDC to post that level of information to the public because it would cause hysteria and unnecessary worry.

Before you post an accusatory response about someone's credibility, how about you get your facts straight. Its misinformation that causes health care workers (like you) to come to work and infect their sick patients.

Little_Babycatcher · Dec 7, 2009

I attend one of the premier Universities in this country, responsible for publishing most of the studies that the CDC cites. I was advised by medical professionals, trained using the same reference that I originally cited, that the virus is shed for 21 days. The data on the CDC site advises health care workers who are in close contact with immune compromised patients to refrain from working with patients for 7 days after receiving the mist, as they are contagious and do shed the virus. If you remember microbiology, you understand how this works. The shedding progressively decreases after administration of the vaccine, which is why herd immunity works. I got the vaccine myself and am an advocate for all receiving it, as you are right, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this issue.
Before you post an accusatory response, how about you get your facts straight. Its misinformation that causes health care workers (like you) to come to work and infect their sick patients.

The phenomenon that I have heard is termed "super shedders" where people indeed shed a virus for up to 21 days after exposure. The vast majority of the population don't fall under this category, but it's not like you can test everyone to see how long they are shedding.

At the hospital where I work as well as the medical university attached to it, the policy is that any HCP working with immunocompromised patients must get the injection form only, in addition to the standard CDC recommendations on the vaccination.

Columnist · Dec 7, 2009

I highly recommend that you check out the Pandemic Flu Forum for the latest and most comprehensive information on H1N1.

itsmejuli · Dec 7, 2009

What frustrates me is the continuing widespread rumors that prevent people from getting vaccinated. Take a look at my post in the Pandemic Flu Forum about the number of children who aren't getting vaccinated.

After attending countless flu clinics I can't begin to describe all of the stories I've heard from different people about why they won't get immunized. I've heard stories of parents keeping their kids home on vaccination day in fear that their child will get sick with H1N1 just because the mist is being given at the school.

My favorite rumor is that the H1N1 vaccine is an attempt by the government at mind control.