Fears over the H1N1 vaccine

Like all parents, Melissa and Rob Jurgens are concerned about their son's health. They got the seasonal flu shot for one-and-a-half year old Brandon, but plan to skip the H1N1 vaccine.

"We talked about it, we shared our opinions, and I just don't think it's something for my son," says Rob.

They are certainly not alone. There are many people out there with concerns over the new vaccine. State health officials, however, say those concerns are not warranted. The H1N1 vaccine, they say, is licensed and approved by the FDA, and it's manufactured in exactly the same way as the seasonal flu shot.

"If H1N1 had presented slightly earlier in the year, this strain would have just been included in the normal seasonal influenza vaccine, so really it was just the timing that caused it to be needed in a separate vaccine," says Kris Ehresmann, Director of Infectious Diseases with Minnesota Department of Health.

In other words, if it had been part of the seasonal vaccine, there wouldn't be a debate right now over whether to get the shot or not.

Here is what you need to know about what's in the vaccine. Unless you have an alergy to eggs, the ingredients, according to health officials, are safe.

"The way the vaccine is made is that the virus is injected into fertilized hens egss. It grows it that environment, then it's taken out of those eggs, and then used in the manufacturing process to develop the vaccine," says Ehresmann.

The shot does contain Thimerosal, a mercury containing preservative, but you can get a version without it if it's a concern to you. The nasal spray doesn't have Thimerosal but it does have a live virus, meaning it can't be used on people with compromised immune systems like pregnant women. Who, by the way, are being strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

"When they get vaccinated they are passing that protection on to their unborn child. So, all those women that are going to have children during flu season, because children under the age of six months are at very high-risk of complications from H1N1, that those babies will be protected if their mothers get the vaccine while they are pregnant," says Dr. Annelise Swigert with Southdale Obstetric and Gynecologic Consultants.

You don't have to worry about which vaccine is right for you. Your health care provider will make sure you get the dose that is appropriate.

As for Melissa and Rob Jurgens, they understand why other people might make a different decision.

"We don't feel it's right for our family and our child, we know there are a lot of other parents out there that it is right for them and we respect that and value that," says Melissa.

They just hope they're offered that same respect in return for their decision.

The shots also contain a pork gelatin product. That fact has been a point of concern for many religious groups. The Minnesota Medical Association spoke with Islamic and Jewish leaders, doctors and scholars who agreed that if no other alternative is available, the current H1N1 vaccine is acceptable.

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