Mandatory Immunizations?

kids · Oct 13, 2009

So it is a live virus. Its quite concerning how much conflicting information is being passed around.

I think you may have misunderstood. The NASAL is a live virus, the injectable is not, this is the same as with the seasonal flu vaccines.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_keyfacts.htm

There are two kinds of 2009 H1N1 vaccines being produced:
A 2009 H1N1 "flu shot"-an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The indications for who can get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot are the same as for seasonal flu shots. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women. The same manufacturers who produce seasonal flu shots are producing 2009 H1N1 flu shots for use in the United States this season. The 2009 H1N1 flu shot is being made in the same way that the seasonal flu shot is made.
The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine-a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine"). The indications for who can get the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine are the same as for seasonal nasal spray vaccine. LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. The nasal spray vaccine for use in the United States is being made by MedImmune, the same company that makes the seasonal nasal spray vaccine called "FluMist®." The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is being made in the same way as the seasonal nasal spray vaccine.

nurseinpa · Oct 13, 2009

I understand that. The one that is available now is the nasal spray and is a live virus which is what I said a while ago and was told I was wrong.

chicookie, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2009

Another article on a very hot topic!

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1929232,00.html

Can Health-Care Workers Be Forced to Get Flu Shots?
At Winthrop hospital on New York's Long Island, the signs are everywhere. They're posted at every nurses' station, papered above the security panels against which employees swipe their ID cards and even attached to paychecks. The notices are there to remind the hospital's staff — which includes everyone from the doctors and nurses who care for patients to the administrative, housekeeping and food-service personnel — that every employee must be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1 flu or face possible termination.

RuRnurse? · Oct 13, 2009

"I understand that. The one that is available now is the nasal spray and is a live virus which is what I said a while ago and was told I was wrong."

Frustrating, isn't it? That's the problem, there has been so much hype and fear-mongering with this that "information" is being tossed about willy-nilly. People who want to take a deep breath and really LOOK at the issue don't stand a chance. People with legitimate concerns about the vaccine are portrayed as ignorant, and called anti-vaxers. People who question the true severity of this particular flu? Well, it is implied that they just don't understand the FACTS. And people who say they wish to refuse this vaccine have been pretty much called Typhoid Mary's, the implication being that they just want to go around spreading disease to the helpless because they just don't want to get a shot. So selfish of them, right?

I've said it before, and will continue saying it, and I don't care how unpopular it may be...If you WANT this vaccine, then get it. If you don't, then DON'T. But do NOT take it because you are forced to. That is the dumbest reason to take ANY medication. Do your research, and if after doing so, you are comfortable with it, fine, do it.

But use your own minds, and make your own decisions!

nurseinpa · Oct 13, 2009

Well stated and I agree 100%. Thank you!