From the Doc

As the European Command Surgeon, you can imagine the H1N1 pandemic is high on my priority list.  I’d like to take just a moment to share with you what we at European Command are doing to protect our forces and our families as well as the frequent questions and concerns I hear about the H1N1 pandemic.

We have ensured that we have stockpiles of anti-virals and other supplies to care for our active duty and families should the pandemic become more severe. We also are now receiving our H1N1 vaccine to begin to immunize our active duty forces and those who are at high risk.

Is the H1N1 vaccine safe? How effective is it?

The shot is safe. The H1N1 vaccine was carefully developed following the same production procedures as the seasonal flu vaccine. Apart from the type of virus in the vaccine, the "recipe" is the same as for the regular flu vaccine.

That means the H1N1 vaccine is just as safe and effective as the seasonal flu vaccine already available and carries similar risks and side effects such as injection-site pain, fatigue and muscle aches. People who have an allergy to eggs should not get it.

Overall, the H1N1 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family against the H1N1 flu virus. It’s your “H1N1 Body Armor.”

I understand children take two H1N1 shots. What is the amount of vaccine administered and what is the time period between shots? Will the first shot give the child any immunity until the second vaccination is give?

The same amount of H1N1 vaccine will be provided to children 6 months of age to 9 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the two doses be separated by at least 21 days (three weeks) to four weeks. It is important the second shot be administered between the third and fourth week. Immunity starts about 10 days after the first vaccination. This provides partial immunity, that’s why parents need to ensure their child gets the booster three weeks after the first dose of the H1N1 vaccine to ensure maximum protection.

Should I get the H1N1 vaccine if I'm pregnant, I am also worried my baby might be harmed?

Concern for your unborn child is understandable, but the H1N1 flu shot will not harm the baby. In fact, protecting the mother helps prevent the virus from infecting the unborn child. Pregnant women are at high risk for serious illness and death from any influenza virus, but especially H1N1. That's why the CDC urges pregnant women to get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. Obviously, consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the vaccine. Working together, we can limit the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, reduce the risk of even more virulent strains emerging, and, most importantly, save lives.

What is the priority for vaccination?

Our first priority is to get the H1N1 vaccine to our uniformed service members; those who are pregnant and those with high-risk medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes cardiovascular disease, HIV and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and active rheumatoid arthritis and of course our healthcare providers. Our mission is to preserve our fighting force and their ability to accomplish the mission in the midst of this pandemic. We also seek to care for our family members and DoD civilians. As H1N1 vaccine shipments continue to arrive, there will be enough available for all those who wish to be immunized.

There is a lot of press out there about the fact that the vaccine contains some sort of mercury-based "stuff." What is it and how dangerous is it? I've heard mercury can damage one's organs and cause autism.

Most vaccines that are multi-dose vials have a small amount of preservative called Themerosal. This preservative is indeed mercury-based and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi within the solution.

While the issue has received much attention, the CDC and the Federal Drug Administration have found there is no link between this preservative and autism, seizures, schizophrenia, mental illness or neurologic problems. In fact the amount of mercury when given by the shot is undetectable. You will get more mercury from eating fish and being exposed to volcanic eruptions clouds then you will from the vaccine.

Again, the H1N1 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family against getting the H1N1 flu virus. As a physician trained in preventive medicine, I can't stress that enough!

I've taken the seasonal flu shot. Do I still need to get vaccinated for the H1N1 virus?

Yes, to be protected during this pandemic, people should receive both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine. When the H1N1 flu virus emerged last spring, most of the seasonal flu vaccine had already been produced. Because there was not enough time to add H1N1 to the seasonal vaccine, a second flu vaccine was developed specifically for H1N1. Remember, the H1N1 vaccine is the best way to protect you and your family against the H1N1 flu virus.

I've heard there're two types of vaccines out there. How are they different?

There are two manufacturers producing the H1N1 vaccine. One manufacturer is Novartis, and the other is Sanofi-Pasteur. Both are FDA-approved for ages 6 months and over. Bottom line – same vaccination, just a different manufacturer; both are safe and effective.

If you have had H1N1 should you still get vaccinated?

Most doctors aren’t even testing for what type of flu you have. That’s because almost 90% of this year’s flu has been H1N1. If you have had PCR proven H1N1 infection then you don’t need the shot. If you are unsure, it’s safe to take the shot.

All of us have a role in helping control and prevent the spread of disease. Do you part and increase your “Flu IQ.”

Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently and avoid those who are sick. If you are sick stay at home. If your child is sick don’t bring them to daycare school or work.

One person can make a difference.
 

(Col Dave Schall is the European Command Surgeon. He has served in this capacity for over three years. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine. He has a Masters in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University. He is board certified in Aerospace/Preventive Medicine as well as Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. He completed a Fellowship in Otology/Neurotology Skull base surgery.)