 According to a study reported in the British Medical Journal, investigations in Mexico City the seasonal influenza vaccine may offer at least some minimal protection against H1N1 Novel type Influenza A (Swine Flu). It just seems obvious that everyone should take a regular seasonal flu shot. If you or your child has allergies to latex or eggs, then you must discuss influenza vaccine with your doctor before getting the shot, or stand the risk of a severe allergic reaction! You must understand that the regular flu vaccine may not totally protect you from H1N1 (Swine flu)

 On October 6, 2009, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Thomas Frieden, MD, issued a statement that the H1N1 swine flu vaccine was safe, and “is the best tool to protect against the flu” and “My children will get it.” It appears the biggest concern patients and patients have about the vaccine is the lack of long-term clinical trials showing its safety and effectiveness. In addition, there have been reports of Guillan-Barre Disease occurring after Swine flu vaccination. Guillan-Barre is a form of paralysis which may occur after any vaccination or viral illness and does not appear to occur with increased frequency after Swine flu vaccination.

 The techniques used for Swine flu vaccine production were almost identical to those used in producing regular seasonal flu vaccine. The only difference thus far has been the short testing periods for side-effects and effectiveness. The vaccine has been rushed through all stages of production due to its tendency to spread rapidly and cause so much death and suffering.

 Just like the normal seasonal influenza vaccine, Swine flu vaccine is made from viral particles that have been killed and sterilized (inactivated). Therefore, you cannot get Swine flu from the vaccine. We tend to find that most patients who report getting the flu after having their shot were also exposed to a sick friend, co-worker or family member within a week of getting the flu vaccine. This exposure probably accounts for them “getting the flu”.

 A trial reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, September 24, 2009, compared the effectiveness of seasonal influenza injection as compared to use of influenza vaccine nasal spray and found that while the injected vaccine appeared more effective in preventing confirmed influenza during the 2007 to 2008 flu season, both vaccines prevented serious influenza illnesses. Please let me note here… Influenza vaccine, like most vaccines, may not totally prevent a person from contracting a disease, but usually keeps an infected person from developing the more serious consequences of the disease.

 I don’t want to be responsible for giving anyone else the disease

 I don’t want to get sick and miss being able to provide medical care for my patients

 I don’t want my family to be sick or risk them having a near-death experience

 I know that just washing my hands and using good hygiene will help 90% of the time, but that’s not 100%

 The Swine flu vaccine is made in a manner just like the seasonal flu vaccine and I’ve never had a problem with it

 I’m not allergic to eggs or latex