Swine Flu and the Earth Shattering Question it Raises

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) “2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO)[3] signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.” [1]

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[2] has recently approved a swine flu vaccine and the earth shattering question arises: Should I get the shot?

To answer this question, I did some research about the vaccine itself and the flu in general. The majority of people who die from swine flu are at high risk, meaning they have chronic medical issues.[1] I do not fall into this category. I am also not under 5 months, I am over 18 and I am not pregnant, making my risk factor much less.[1] All this points to the fact that I should not get the vaccine since it seems to be a waste of a shot.

However, the fact that I am part of a community seems to outweigh all the negative cons. As part of a community, immunizing me keeps the community healthier and on the flipside, being part of a community makes me more susceptible to the disease. So with this logic, I should get the vaccine. I may not be part of a high risk group, the my presence at UPenn places me in a high density population.[3]

The final step to consider is the risks of the vaccine itself. The H1N1 strain mutates rapidly and the vaccine they have created may not be effective against the new strain. If this is the case, there is no point in taking the vaccine, since it will be ineffective. Also, while the preliminary clinical trials say that the side effects are the same as those for the seasonal flu shot (fever, soreness, etc.)[2] there are no long term effect trials available.

Taking into account all these issues, I would not run out and get the shot at this moment. However, should the virus become more widespread at UPenn, I would not hesitate to get vaccinated.

A second question arises as to who should receive the vaccine if a limited amount of vaccine is available. The CDC reported that the vaccine should be given to “pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions” should there be a shortage.[1] The vaccine should be given to those at risk, for example, chronic illness patients, young children, and pregnant women.[3] By administering the shot directly to these groups of people, it directly saves lives. If you give it to healthy people, you may stop the spreading of the virus, but you never know if it was effective in stopping overall mortality.


References:
1. Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
2. Food and Drug Administration www.fda.gov
3. World Health Organization www.who.int/en