A compromised immune system increases your risk of contracting viral or bacterial infections -- like the H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu. Young children's immune systems are typically weaker, increasing their risk of disease. Certain conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or chronic medical conditions, can further compromise the immune system. Specific forms of the H1N1 vaccine are recommended for immuno-compromised children. Studies show the vaccine to be generally safe and effective in building immunity to the swine flu virus.
H1N1 Virus
Known as a "quadruple reassortant" virus, the H1N1 combines genes from pigs, birds and humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The virus can spread between animals and humans, making it a powerful pathogen. Identified in the U.S. in 2009, the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic -- an illness that had spread over a large geographic area and had affected a certain portion of the population.
Vaccine Options
The H1N1 vaccine is available in two forms -- a nasal spray with a live virus, or a shot with a dead or inactive form of the virus. Ingredients in each vaccine differ. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the nasal spray does not contain thimerosal -- a mercury-containing preservative -- while the injection vaccine is available with or without thimerosal. Mercury is a heavy metal that can have neurological and immunological impacts, possibly leading to conditions like multiple sclerosis and developmental disorders.
Common Side-Effects
Common side-effects for the H1N1 injection include soreness at the injection site, as well as mild fever, body aches and fatigue. The nasal spray can induce a runny nose and sore throat, as well as fever, in children between 2 and 6 years of age. More serious side-effects are rare, but possible. An August 2010 study published in the "Archives of Neurology" linked the H1N1 vaccination with transverse myelitis -- a neurological disorder caused by spinal cord inflammation. Symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of motor coordination or paralysis. The patients in the study significantly improved after diagnosis and treatment for the condition.
Immuno-Compromised Patients
The H1N1 vaccine may not work as well for immuno-compromised patients, or those on medications that suppress the immune system. However, a weak or compromised immune system also renders you more susceptible to contracting the H1N1 virus. The injection vaccine is recommended as safe for immuno-compromised children and adults, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. The nasal spray, containing the live virus, is not safe for those with weak immune systems. Hospital workers or caregivers who come in contact with immuno-compromised patients should not receive the nasal spray vaccine.
Side Effects in Immuno-Compromised Children
Though patients may need more than one vaccine, side-effects of the vaccine in immuno-compromised children mirror those of healthy children and adults. The vaccine effectively builds an immune response, even in children with the HIV virus. In a study published in "Vaccine" in 2011, HIV-infected children and adolescents were given an H1N1 vaccine, along with the seasonal influenza vaccine. Results found that the H1N1 shot was as "safe and well tolerated in HIV-infected children and adolescents as in healthy controls." Additionally, administering the seasonal influenza vaccine simultaneously seemed to increase the immune response to both H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses.
References
- Center for Disease Control: H1N1 Flu
- U.S.Food and Drug Administration:FDA Approves Vaccines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
- St. Michael's Hospital: H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Q & A
- State of Washington Dept. of Health: Seasonal Flu and H1N1 (Swine Flu)
- Center for Disease Control: Questions & Answers: 2009 H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine
- "Vaccine"; Pandemic influenza A/H1N1 vaccine administered sequentially or simultaneously with seasonal influenza vaccine to HIV-infected children and adolescents; S. Esposito, et al.; February 2011
