what if your kid doesn't get the 2nd h1n1 shot?

[Anonymous]

Is it better to have the first one than none at all? Or is it completely useless if you don't get the 2nd shot?

[Anonymous]

It's better to get one, but I think effectiveness rises from something like 70+% to 90+% with two shots. In fact, I think the WHO was recommending that in case of shortages. everyone should get one shot before giving people a second shot. (I could be misremembering some of those details though)

[Anonymous]

A Washington Post story from Nov 2nd says the following about the effectiveness of 1 shot vs 2 shots, according to federally-funded studies:

"...blood tests on 583 children, however, found that only 25 percent of those ages 6 months to 35 months and only 55 percent of those ages 3 to 9 years had a strong enough immune response to protect them 21 days after getting only one shot. But 100 percent of the young children and 94 percent of those ages 3 to 9 experienced a strong enough response eight to 10 days after a booster."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/02/AR2009110202274.html

[Anonymous]

Great info DCUM. Thank you for saving me the trouble of sifting through google searches.

I do plan on getting my child the 2nd shot, but was wondering about the off chance that it somehow ends up being as nightmarish as the first and somehow becomes impossible...

[Anonymous]

I think the difference between the WHO statement and CDC is likely due to the lack of adjuvant in the U.S. vaccine. In the rest of the world it is pretty common to include an adjuvant, which makes it more effective.

[Anonymous]

Our pediatrician is suggested that due to shortages, second doses may be suspended? Anyone else read/heard this?

From Northern Va pediatrics FAQ on their website:

My child got the 1st dose of the H1N1 vaccine, how long do I have to wait for dose #2?
There should be a minimum of 28 days between dose #1 and dose #2 of the H1N1 vaccine. Depending on state and national vaccine supply, the recommendations for a second dose of the H1N1 vaccine may be put on hold until a greater number of citizens are able to receive a first dose.

[Anonymous]

penguinsix wrote:Yes, it is better to get one but not necessarily best.

From the moment you get the shot the body starts to produce antibodies. After about two weeks, something like 74% of the kids had developed the level of antibodies necessary to be considered 'immune'. Then they get a second shot and then the number was up around 96% of the kids being immune (yup, it isn't 100%).

The WHO is worried about overall supply levels and is of the opinion that getting 74% of the kids in the world something is better than trying to get 94% of the world something (from a vaccine management standpoint).

I would get the second if at all possible. By the time they are ready for the second (i.e. in about a month after the first) the supply issues should make it a much more simple process.

Do you have the citation for that? I am looking for it and cannot find it! Also, what about immunity for adults?

[Anonymous]

http://h1n1.nejm.org/?p=1020
is where the 74% came from, I think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://h1n1.nejm.org/?p=1020
is where the 74% came from, I think.

Thanks for the links. Is it presumed the same irrespective of which kind of vaccine one got, i.e., mist or any of the brands of injectable?