Is the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine safe?
• The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is being made the same way as annual seasonal influenza vaccine. To date, the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine has been as safe as the seasonal influenza vaccine we have been using for many years. • Federal agencies are monitoring very closely reports of events occurring after people receive H1N1 vaccine. The reports so far show the same safety pattern as seasonal influenza vaccine. • The viruses included each year in the seasonal influenza vaccine may be changed when a new virus is expected to cause influenza that year. The 2009 H1N1 virus was discovered too late to be put in this year’s seasonal vaccine, so it is being given separately. Next flu season, 2009 H1N1 influenza virus will probably be included as one of the viruses in the seasonal vaccine. • Many careful, repeated studies have shown that vaccines, including influenza vaccines, are safe and effective. For more information about vaccine safety, visit http://www.aap.org/featured/vaccinesafety.html
