The swine flu vaccine manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on September 15, 2009. This vaccine is intended for administration by injection only, and is produced in single-use vials of .25 mL and .5 mL, as well as multi-dose containers. H1N1 vaccine ingredients serve various purposes throughout the vaccine production, storage, and administration process.
Swine Flu Vaccine Dosage
Swine flu vaccine dosage information depends on the age of the person being vaccinated. The Sanofi Pasteur vaccine is approved for everyone down to infants of six months. Infants of six months, up to the age of 35 months, are given two .25 mL doses of the vaccine, with one month between injections. Children from 36 months to nine years are given two .5 mL doses of the vaccine, also spaced one month apart. Adults, and children age 10 and over, receive a single .5 mL dose of the vaccine.
Vaccine Production
The swine flu vaccine is produced by injection of a virus into chicken eggs. The virus multiplies in the egg over the course of several days, and is then removed and purified. This process results in trace amounts of egg protein in influenza vaccines, which can cause allergic reactions in individuals with egg allergies.
During the process of making this H1N1 vaccine, the virus is killed with formaldehyde, small amounts of which remain in the vaccine during distribution. Polyethylene glycol p-isooctylphenyl ether is another chemical used in the production of this vaccine. This chemical is a suspected carcinogen, and is used to break up the pieces of the virus. Breaking the virus into tiny pieces prevents the virus from reviving after being injected, but still provokes an immune response in the person being vaccinated.
Other H1N1 Vaccine Ingredients
The H1N1 vaccine also contains sucrose, which is another name for sugar, and gelatin. Gelatin is produced from animal sources, and is used to stabilize liquids.
Thimerosal in the H1N1 Injection
Thimerosal is a preservative that contains mercury. Only the multi-dose containers of swine flu vaccine made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. contain thimerosal. A single .5 mL dose of the vaccine from a multi-dose vial contains 25 micrograms of mercury. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a safe dose of mercury is .1 micrograms for every 2.2 pounds of body-weight per day.
H1N1 Vaccine During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend immediate vaccination for all pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. does not recommend their vaccine for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. Package Insert
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
World Health Organization
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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