Preservative Free H1N1 Vaccine

There are a lot of pregnant women with concerns about the H1N1 vaccine. Here is one of the emails I got this week.

Hi, I am 9 months pregnant and live in Peoria... did we get any doses of the H1N1 vacine without the thimerosal?

The CDC says only 12 percent of the H1N1 injectable vaccines are preservative free. However, it doesn't sound like any of the vaccines obtained by Peoria County are preservative free. I haven't gotten a clear cut answer on this, but most of the time I have been told the injectable vaccine DOES contain thimerasol (mercury.) (at least in Peoria County)

The nasal mist vaccine does not contain thimerasol. It carries a live, attenuated virus. Pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems cannot take the live virus. What a nightmare for a lot of pregnant women. Many would like to avoid injecting themselves with a known neurotoxin like mercury while they are pregnant. I am not saying the small amount of mercury in the vaccine will hurt the fetus, but I can understand why pregnant women would want to avoid it. Many pregnant women won't even take Tylenol.

The Peoria City/County Health Department says they are giving out 1,000 doses of the vaccine at each clinic this week. So if you want to get the shot before they run out, get to the clinics early. However, you don't have to be at one of the first clinics of the week. They won't be running out before Friday. Also, the health department is supposed to get another 5,000 doses at some point.

If you want your child to get a mercury-free dead virus, you are out of luck. Most kids, unless their immune systems are compromised, will be getting the live nasal vaccine. "Mom or Dad don't feel comfortable with that" will not be accepted as a reason to give your child a shot instead. The nurses are asking a series of questions. Your answers will determine which vaccine you get. You do not get to choose.

The PCHD says some doctor's office will be getting the vaccine for their patients. However, there is no list available to the public.

It sounds like we will see a lot more people getting seriously ill from the swine flu at the same time more concerns are raised about the vaccine. Did anyone get the vaccine today?

Oh and it looks like we aren't the only ones having trouble getting a preservative free swine flu vaccine. Here is an article out of Atlanta.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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One easy way to prevent Swine Flu

This story really hits home for me. My baby is due in September, just as the typically flu season gets ready to start. Experts are predicting the swine flu will start spreading faster in the fall. I am so relieved to know there is something I can do-that I was already planning on doing-to protect my baby. Yeah!

FROM CNN:As the CDC continues to monitor the swine flu outbreak, health officials are zeroing in on how to protect the most vulnerable population – infants. Breastfeeding could be the answer to preventing infection.

"Aww, I love it when she yawns." Doting first–time parents, Rob and Rikki Emanuel want to do whatever they can to keep their ten–week–old daughter, Eliza, healthy. When faced with the decision over whether or not to breast feed Eliza, Rikki says looking into the benefits of breast milk made it an easy choice.

"Immunity for the baby, as far as them not being able to defend themselves from colds and everything and the fact that you pass that on to them." This immunity has health officials stepping up to say with the current swine flu outbreak, mothers that *can breast feed their infants *should.

(SOT: Marta Benglis, R.N., Lactation Consultant) "A mother's body makes immunities for the baby, so antibodies are actually formed in the mother's body by everything that she is exposed to – so she transfers those immunities to the baby." Registered nurse and lactation consultant Marta Benglis says not only is the breast milk full of disease–fighting cells and antibodies, but it also contributes to marked improvements for children as they grow older.

(SOT: Marta Benglis, R.N., Lactation Consultant) "The baby's IQ is higher once they get to be school age and then also, they get sick less often – so less problems with respiratory illnesses and allergies and stomach problems." The Centers for Disease Control is also urging parents to remember toprotect their babies in the same way they protect themselves ... especially by keeping their hands (that oftentimes end up in their mouths) clean!

(SOT: Rikki Emanuel, New Mom) "Washing hands often, just kind of being aware of if anybody seems to be sick or anything like that, just being extra cautious. It's the best thing you can do for them.") CDC guidance recommends that if a mother is ill, she should *continue breastfeeding and increase feeding frequency. Women can continue to breastfeed while receiving anti–viral medications.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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