Has the H1N1 vaccine been tested and is it safe?
Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective. The FDA has licensed it. There have been no safety shortcuts.
It is produced exactly the same way the seasonal flu vaccine is produced every year. It is simply a new virus strain. In fact, had H1N1 struck this country earlier than this spring, the H1N1 strain probably would have been included as part of this year’s seasonal flu shot.
Understanding that people may have concerns about “new” vaccines, the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have conducted more rigorous tests on the H1N1 vaccine than they do on other flu vaccines, and there have been no red flags from these clinical trials.
Also, CDC has stepped up surveillance efforts to track the H1N1 vaccine and any possible adverse events. Since it is so closely related to the seasonal flu vaccine, the CDC does not expect to see serious side effects, but are taking all the necessary steps to promote and monitor safety.
Top doctors and scientists at the CDC believe the risk of the flu, especially for pregnant women, children, and people with underlying health conditions, is higher than any risk that might come from the H1N1 vaccine.
The original article can be found on Flu.gov, which provides comprehensive government-wide information on influenza for the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities. Content for the website is provided by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services, CDC, FDA, USDA, White House, US Dept. of Defense, US Dept. of Homeland Security, and many other governmental agencies.
