H1N1: Information for parents about the virus and the vaccine
The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is a new strain of influenza. It’s different from the “seasonal flu,” which refers to the influenza viruses that go around every year. People have little to no natural immunity to the H1N1 virus, which means they are likely to get sick if they come in contact with it.
Young children seem to be at higher risk of serious illness from the H1N1 virus. Children of all ages with chronic medical conditions are also at higher risk.
For information about recognizing, preventing and treating influenza in children, click here.
A vaccine is available to protect people from getting sick from H1N1.
Will the vaccine cause the flu?
- No. The virus in the vaccine is killed (not “live”) and cannot cause influenza.
- If someone gets sick after a flu vaccine, it may be from one of the many other cold or flu-like viruses going around during this time of year.
Do flu vaccines really work?
- Yes. Influenza vaccines work. Studies show that when there is a good match between the virus used to make the vaccine and the strain of flu going around, the vaccine protects between 7 and 9 of every 10 (70% to 90%) of healthy children and adults who get it.
Do healthy children need the H1N1 vaccine?
Yes. Healthy children under 5 years (and especially those under 2 years) are more at risk of being hospitalized from seasonal flu. Healthy babies (under 12 months) have the highest risk of death from flu.
Children are even more at risk of being very sick if they have a medical problem, such as:
- Developmental problems, brain or neuromuscular problems
- Immune system problems
- Heart or lung problems (such as cystic fibrosis)
- Diabetes
- Obesity (in the case of H1N1 virus)
The flu can cause many serious problems:
- Swelling of the brain and brain coverings (encephalitis and meningitis)
- Coma
- Seizures
Does the vaccine contain mercury?
- The vaccine has a very small amount of thimerosal, which acts as a preservative. It is only in the vaccines produced in “multi-dose vials.” The thimerosal prevents bacteria from forming in the vials, which are used more than once.
- Thimerosal breaks down into ethyl mercury, not the kind of mercury that is very toxic.
- There is no evidence that this trace amount of thimerosal in the vaccine is associated with autism or immune problems.
Is there anyone who should not get the vaccine?
- If your child has an egg allergy (causing hives, mouth swelling, trouble breathing, low blood pressure), be sure to tell your doctor or the person giving the vaccine. The vaccine is “grown” in eggs, and there may be very small amounts of egg in the vaccine. Special precautions may be necessary when your child receives the vaccine, but an egg allergy does not mean it cannot be given safely.
Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
- The Canadian Paediatric Society, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and others recommend that pregnant women be immunized.
- The virus in the vaccine is dead, split and in pieces so it cannot infect a woman or her unborn baby.
- If a pregnant woman gets the vaccine, some of the antibodies will be passed on to her baby. This protection is important, since babies under 6 months old cannot be vaccinated (the vaccine doesn’t work in this age group). Influenza can cause serious illness in young babies.
Consult your local public health office or CLSC, or talk to your doctor for more information on where and when to get the vaccine.
For more information:
Developed by the CPS Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee. Adapted in part from information provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
Posted: October 2009
This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Canadian Paediatric Society
2305 St. Laurent Blvd.,
Ottawa, Ont. K1G 4J8
Phone: 613-526-9397, fax: 613-526-3332 |
