H1N1 Vaccine: the shot vs. the nasal spray

If you’ve decided that you want to immunize your child with H1N1 vaccine, the CDC offers very specific guidelines on who should and shouldn’t get the nasal vaccine.  The nasal vaccine is called a “live attenuated” vaccine, which means it is made from live virus which has been weakened.  The injectable vaccine is made of killed virus particles, which trigger an immune response but cannot cause infection.  The bottom line is that with the nasal, you can get sick, but with the shot you can get side effects that may mimick flu symptoms, but you won’t get the flu.  The CDC therefore recommends that the nasal only be given to completely healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49.  And if you’re pregnant or if you have asthma or are immune-compromised for any reason, you definitely don’t want the nasal vaccine.