Does the seasonal flu shot protect children against the H1N1 virus?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:The seasonal flu shot protects children from the H1N1 virus. Each year, researchers around the world determine which three strains of influenza are likely to be the most common in the coming flu season. They then include each of these viruses in the vaccine. Ever since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (originally referred to as the swine flu pandemic), the vaccine available in the U.S. and the whole of the northern hemisphere has included that strain. As long as that's true, the regular seasonal flu vaccine will protect your child from the H1N1 virus.The seasonal flu shot protects children from the H1N1 virus. Each year, researchers around the world determine which three strains of influenza are likely to be the most common in the coming flu season. They then include each of these... More -
Dr. Diana Blythe of Pediatric Associates answered:After the 2009/2010 flu season, the seasonal flu shot has included protection against the H1N1 virus for the past two flu seasons. This is because the flu shot is seasonal, or different every year, and protects against the three most common types of flu that season. As long as the H1N1 virus is one of the three most common types of the flu that season, the flu shot will continue to include H1N1 protection.After the 2009/2010 flu season, the seasonal flu shot has included protection against the H1N1 virus for the past two flu seasons. This is because the flu shot is seasonal, or different every year, and protects against the three most common types of... More
