H1N1 vaccine question

[milesymommy]

My almost 3 yr old had the seasonal mist in Oct. Only one dose this year since he's had it before. But then we had to wait a month for the H1N1 mist. We have to go in next week to get the booster. More of the vaccine is available now than it was 1-2 months ago where I'm at, so I'm not worried about getting the booster. I'm outside of DC, which has been hard hit by H1N1. They are expecting numbers to peak again in the spring.

[hols537]

Both of my boys got both of the h1n1 vaccine doses with the preservative (there wasn't any preservative free available around here). They also both got their seasonal flu shots. Actually, our entire family got all the flu vaccinations this year and no one had any trouble at all.

I can't find the site right now, but I read about how kids develop their immune response to the first and second dose and (IIRC) kids under 3 only 25% had a "robust" response after 1 dose, but 100% after 2. I think older kids responded better to the first dose, but it's still recommended to get 2 doses for kids under 10.

[milesymommy]

"Non-Safety-Related Voluntary Recall of Certain Lots of Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 Pediatric (0.25 mL, for 6-35 month olds) Vaccine" http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/syringes_qa.htm
In a nutshell, some lots of this vaccine intially met strength standards, but a few weeks later it wasn't as strong as it should be. CDC essentially says to ensure that your child gets both doses in order to effectively prevent H1N1.

[alexa5]

Thanks for the link. I actually just saw that elsewhere, and it actually has given me my answer. That is the exact vaccine I was planning on my son having, so if it is recalled, it will not be available anywhere. The only other option for 6-35 mos is one that is not preservative free, and though I am not an anti-vaccine person, I just feel if all of his other vaccines are preservative free, I just don't feel like doing something different for the H1N1 vaccine.

That said, I am sure he would be fine with the normal, but once I had decided that I would have him get the shot, that it would be the preservative free...so I will need some time and research to set my mind on something different.

I really appreciate all of the feedback.

[milesymommy]

Not every does of the Sanofi Pastuer is recalled - just certain lots - 800,000 doses in total, which is not very many. One article said most of these lots have already been used. Its more of an advisory to ensure your kids get both doses of the vaccine for maximum protection.
Chances are that the doses available where you are at are not affected.

[mnmom]

Chiming in a little late. Both of my boys likely had H1N1-they tested positive for influenza, and that was the only flu out here at the time. This was before the immunization was available for them. Our ped still recommends the vaccine. We have the first dose on board; the flu mist, and they both did fine with it. I believe they have another clinic set up next week.

[alexa5]

Just found out our health district is having a clinic at a great location and time, and they have the pres free version, so I have made an appt.

[jmom08]

I'm late too, but wanted to add that our allergist/immunologist's nurse also told us that one dose does provide some immunity (just not complete), and that I don't know anything about an 11 month old, but DS (age 3) got 2 doses of the H1N1 flumist and had no reaction. I also got the preservative free adult injection and no reaction that I know of. Good luck!

[crystalw]

My son recieved the recalled vaccine..