Why is it that there are still some hesitations on whether or not to have the H1N1 vaccine? Because it can result to illness than prevention? Or because of its side effects?
According to this poll, availability and safety doubts constitute a large percentage of reasons. Despite government assurance that the swine flu vaccine is as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine, about 33 % aren’t confident in its safety. Intention to get vaccinated is especially low among Americans who are highly educated.
To make matters worse, there have been reports last week of anaphylaxis side effects with a batch of swine flu vaccine of GlaxoSmithKline. Although it is somewhat an expected side effect in about 1 in 100,000, cases of anaphylaxis for this particular batch that reached Canada occured at a rate of 4 in 100,000 in one lot of 172,000 doses.
Investigation is on its way. In the meantime, I’m just wondering – have you been vaccinated? If no, then why not? And if anaphylaxis is the problem, then there are other vaccines available from other drug companies.
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