Each strain of the flu is different and requires a uniquely formulated vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine is formulated to provide immunity from several strains of influenza, but does not protect against the swine flu. Each type of vaccine is administered differently. The CDC and manufacturers provide guidance about the combination of these vaccines.
Swine Flu Genetics
The Novel A (H1N1) virus is a quadruple reassortant virus that was originally called the "swine flu" due to the fact that it was thought to be a strain of influenza that commonly occurs in pigs. This influenza virus, however, actually contains bird flu genes and human influenza genes in addition to the swine influenza genes.
Influenza Vaccine Creation
When creating a flu vaccine, the influenza virus is injected into cracked chicken eggs, which provide a fertile breeding ground for the virus. After two to three days, the virus has multiplied enough to be used to create vaccines and is extracted from the eggs. Once extracted, the virus is purified and prepared for use in the vaccine. Viruses that are intended for use in injected vaccines are killed and broken up with chemicals. Viruses that will be used alive are bred repeatedly in the lab until the strain has been significantly weakened.
Protection from Different Flu Strains
The swine flu vaccine does not protect against the seasonal flu, or any other strain of influenza virus. The seasonal flu shot does not protect against the swine flu. In order to be immunized against both the seasonal flu and the swine flu, it is necessary to get vaccinated twice. The manufacturers of each H1N1 vaccine caution that vaccines should not be mixed prior to administration. Individuals wishing to be vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the swine flu at the same time should receive two different injections, each at different locations.
Intranasal Vaccination for Influenza
MedImmune, the company that produces the intranasal, or inhaled, form of the swine flu vaccine also produces an intranasal form of the seasonal flu vaccine. Both strains of the influenza virus are attenuated, but still alive in the vaccine. The virus is weakened in a laboratory, to the point where it is able to stimulate an immune response, but is unable to infect someone with an actual case of the flu.
The package insert for the intranasal vaccine states that there is no research data on the results of receiving two separate intranasal influenza vaccines at the same time. The CDC's guidance, however, states that the H1N1 flu intranasal vaccine should not receive the seasonal flu intranasal vaccine at the same time.
References:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
Join the Conversation