H1N1 Vaccine - Antibodies & BFing infants < 6 mos

[Anonymous]

FYI - Since DC cannot get either the H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccine yet, I emailed CDC to ask if my breastmilk will transfer any of the antibodies to him since I've gotten both shots. Bottom line - according to CDC, by breastfeeding, mothers can pass on to the infant the antibodies that their bodies make in response to the flu shots, which can reduce the infants chances of getting sick with the flu.

Here's the full text of the email:


The H1N1 vaccine is expected to have a similar safety profile to the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine has not been shown to have any increase in adverse events for mothers or infants. Infants less than 6 months cannot get the flu vaccine. So, it's important for the mothers to get the vaccine to protect themselves and their infants.

If you are nursing, your infant will receive maternal antibodies (infection-fighting cells) that will help to prevent illness in general. It's not known whether your infant will specifically receive antibodies generated by the H1N1 vaccine. But, breastfeeding will support your infant's immune (body defense) system.

Until you are able to get vaccinated, the best way to help fight 2009 H1N1 influenza (flu) is to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Stay home if you're sick, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shots or nasal spray should be given to breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding is fully compatible with flu vaccination, and preventing the flu in mothers can reduce the chance that the infant will get the flu. Also, by breastfeeding, mothers can pass on to the infant the antibodies that their bodies make in response to the flu shots, which can reduce the infants chances of getting sick with the flu. This is especially important for infants less than 6 months old, who have no other way of receiving vaccine antibodies, since they are too young to be vaccinated.
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm

[Anonymous]

Thank you for posting this. I have a 4 month old and I am scheduled for my shot on Tuesday. I really hope the antibodies pass in the breast milk. It is one of the only reasons I kept breast feeding this long, is so I could help protect him this way.

[Anonymous]

Where is your appt to get the shot?

[Anonymous]

I have one at Farragut Travel Medical.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous}

If you are nursing, your infant will receive maternal antibodies (infection-fighting cells) that will help to prevent illness in general. It's not known whether your infant will specifically receive antibodies generated by the H1N1 vaccine. But, breastfeeding will support your infant's immune (body defense) system.

Also, by breastfeeding, mothers can pass on to the infant the antibodies that their bodies make in response to the flu shots, which can reduce the infants chances of getting sick with the flu. This is especially important for infants less than 6 months old, who have no other way of receiving vaccine antibodies, since they are too young to be vaccinated.
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm

These two paragraphs seem to contradict each other but I guess some kind of protection is provided and that's reassuring.