The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine H1N1: What Individuals with Neuromuscular Diseases N

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MDA Families

From: MDA Outreach Date: Oct. 16, 2009

The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine H1N1

What Individuals with Neuromuscular Diseases Need to Know

People diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases are among those

prioritized to receive the H1N1 vaccination, and the first doses of

the H1N1 vaccine are now being distributed to state health departments

throughout the country. While the nasal-spray flu vaccine is currently

widely available, the injectable H1N1 vaccine has not yet made its way

to most states for distribution.

Individuals diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases should not receive the

nasal-spray flu vaccine and instead should wait to receive the injectable H1N1

vaccine.

Who does the CDC recommend receive the H1N1 vaccine?

Anyone diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease and any close family

members and caregivers. People who are in contact with others with

severely weakened immune systems when they are being cared for in a

protective environment should not receive the nasal spray vaccine.

Click here for a complete list of those prioritized at higher risk of

complications from H1N1.

What form of the vaccine does the CDC recommend that people with

neuromuscular diseases receive?

The injectable H1N1 vaccine. The nasal mist of the H1N1 vaccine

contains a live virus and, unlike the general public, individuals with

neuromuscular disease are at increased risk of complications from the

nasal mist vaccine.

If my child's school is administering the H1N1 vaccine, what should I

do?

Parents of children with neuromuscular diseases should ensure that

their child NOT receive the H1N1 vaccination via nasal mist. According

to the CDC, children whose classmates are provided the nasal mist are

not at an increased risk of infection due to exposure. Click here for

more information about exposure to people who have received the nasal

mist.

For additional questions regarding the nasal-spray flu vaccine, log

onto the MDA H1N1 Resource Center. http://www.mda.org/H1N1/vaccine.html

http://www.mda.org/H1N1/announcement.html

http://www.mda.org/H1N1/tips.html

http://www.mda.org/H1N1/tips-2.html

http://www.mda.org/H1N1/helpful.html

http://www.flu.gov/whereyoulive/

An ounce of prevention … will help to protect you and your loved ones

this flu season.