Benefits vs. Risks of H1N1 Vaccine for Babies

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine Side Effects, Ingredients & Safety Testing

Nov 3, 2009

The H1N1 vaccine for babies is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. The H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine side effects are expected to be minimal, despite some of the ingredients.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends swine flu vaccination for all infants of ages six months and up. There are four companies that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to produce H1N1 vaccines, each of which is approved for different age ranges. The only H1N1 vaccine for babies is produced by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.

Ingredients in the Infant Swine Flu Vaccine

The infant swine flu vaccine contains an inactivated form of the H1N1 influenza virus. The virus is killed with formaldehyde during processing, in order to prevent infection by the vaccine. The vaccine goes through a purification process that removes the majority of the formaldehyde in the vaccine, but it is not completely eliminated.

In addition to formaldehyde, the H1N1 vaccine for babies contains polyethylene glycol p-isooctylphenyl ether, gelatin, and sucrose (sugar). Multi-dose containers of the Sanofi Pasteur swine flu vaccine also contain thimerosal, a preservative that is made from mercury. According to the Sanofi Pasteur swine flu vaccine package insert, a single .5 milliliter dose contains 25 micrograms of mercury. Single dose containers of the swine flu vaccine for babies contain no mercury.

Dosage of the H1N1 Vaccine for Infants

The H1N1 vaccine for infants is administered in doses of .25 mL. Dosage instructions for babies from six months of age to 35 months of age require two separate doses of the vaccine, spaced about one month apart. This dose is based on previous influenza vaccine efficiency, due to a lack of testing on this specific vaccine.

Swine Flu Injection Side Effects for Babies

The projected swine flu injection side effects are local and minor. Redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection site are expected to be the most common side effects from the swine flu shot. These projections are based on the results of previously formulated influenza vaccinations, and preliminary testing being conducted with the swine flu vaccine among other age groups.

Safety Testing of the Swine Flu Shot in Infants

Sanofi Pasteur is in the process of conducting safety testing for their H1N1 vaccine. These trials, however, are only being conducted on children of age 3 and over. The dosage, side effects, and efficiency of the H1N1 injection for babies has not been tested. Typically, the FDA requires thorough testing of all vaccines prior to use in patients, but the swift spread of the swine flu resulted in a fast-track approval of the swine flu vaccine, based on historical data.

The copyright of the article Benefits vs. Risks of H1N1 Vaccine for Babies in Public Healthcare Issues is owned by Victoria Nicks. Permission to republish Benefits vs. Risks of H1N1 Vaccine for Babies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.