Does the flu shot prevent transmission? How about the spray?

[Ophelia]

I think I accidentally deleted a lot of my vax bookmarks

My sis just got the flu shot b/c my BIL's health is compromised right now and she is getting them for her 2 sons (one autistic, I said make sure he gets the single dose almost mercury free one!!). Would the kids be better off with the spray? I know it's live and there's a small chance of that spreading.

But since she got it, would that help PREVENT transmission to my BIL, or does it only help the RECEIVER of the shot not to get sick (if it even works)? Do you have some links?

I know other vaxes don't prevent xmission, like DTaP and IPV.

Thanks!

[maxwill129]

I lost a lot of my vax bookmarks too. I was just reading (can't remember where) that some doctor pretty much said that he doesn't believe any vaccinations actually prevents transmission, so the idea of herd immunity is a bunch of crap. I'll have to try and remember the website that I read that on...I need to be better about bookmarking my stuff!

[mama1803]

If the purpose in getting innoculated is to protect an immunocompromised person in the same household, then the worst thing one could do would be to get the flu mist. I think the chance of someone receiving the mist and transmitting the virus to another is low (3% I remember reading on a thread here), there is still that risk.

[bbrandonsmom]

Tell her not to get the mist, if she's chosing. One thing to remember, even though she got the vax, she could still contact the flu anyhow. It's only a % effective (can't remember off hand the %).

[ursaminor]

DH got the h1n1 shot (something neither of us wanted - but that's a long story), the nurse (who actually said she thought the whole h1n1 thing is a bunch of hooey) told him that there is no mercury free flu shot. confusing..

[Ophelia]

Thanks! Yes, this is for the regular seasonal flu. I just wanted to see if there were studies out there showing that the vax does not prevent xmission, if that is the case.

Of course, the H1N1 may come up also, where she may consider that one too.

[amnesiac]

I'm not certain that they were looking specifically at transmission but it seems like there was something along those lines done in Houston a few years ago.

I would venture a guess that if a flu vaccine were to prevent transmission, it would be more likely the mist. Of course some people are really concerned about viral shedding with that vaccine & the likelihood of that viral shedding causing infection in contacts. So I suppose it all just depends on how you look at it.

[jessjgh1]

I believe the mist is thimersol free, but the shots have thimersol.
from flu.gov

None of the currently available H1N1 flu vaccines contain adjuvants. Single-dose injectable vaccines do not contain preservatives (thimerosal). Multi-dose bottles do contain preservatives.

Does anyone know what a 'robust' response to the vax means? It never really states how effective (percentage-wise) the h1n1 shot is thought to be.
Nov 2: BULLETIN
Updated Results: In Youngest Children, a Second Dose of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Elicits Robust Immune Response
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsr...impedsdata.htm

I thought the vax was about 50% effective, but I don't remember where that quote was. Using 'robust' woudl give the impression of a pretty high effectiveness, but why wouldn't the report state a percentage or define what 'robust' means?

Jessica

Oh, wait, just found this in the previous study resuts Sept 21:
So 25-76% depending on age
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsr...N1PedTrial.htm
Early Results: In Children, 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Works Like Seasonal Flu Vaccine
The preliminary results are based on blood samples taken eight to 10 days after the first vaccination. Immune responses were strongest among the oldest children, those 10 to 17 years old. In this group of 25 children, a strong immune response was seen in 76 percent who received one 15-microgram dose of vaccine. The immune responses in children nine years old and younger were not as strong. Among 25 volunteers aged 3 to 9 years old, a strong immune response was seen in 36 percent of those given 15 micrograms of vaccine. In the youngest group, 20 children between 6 months to 35 months old, a single 15-microgram dose of vaccine produced a strong immune response in 25 percent of recipients.

[amnesiac]

Please continue any H1N1 discussion in the threads designated for that purpose as per our forum announcement. If this thread is to remain open for discussion it needs to remain focused on seasonal influenza vaccine.

[thereiderfamily]

This was discussed by Dr. Larry Palevsky in his interview with Dr. Mercola. I thought it was an interesting angle against those who believe that unvaccinated children are a danger to others (babies who have not yet been able to be fully vaccinated, etc.)

Basically, he stated that a person with immunity to a certain virus (gained artificially or naturally) can still carry that virus in their nasal passages, throat, digestive system, skin, etc. So they can therefore be just as contagious as someone actively infected with the virus. Which debunks the whole herd immunity theory.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...ine-Myths.aspx

[amnesiac]

I think that his generalization is really not quite accurate. Some vaccines are actually pretty effective at eliminating nasopharyngeal carriage - that's why we see replacement effect not only on an individual level but also a community level with them. I have never looked specifically for studies on the effect of TIV or LAIV on carriage but until I see any I would not feel comfortable basing any decision on his opinion alone.

[bzmum]

Many flu viruses can survive short term on skin, so a flu vax would NOT prevent skin to skin transmission. She should keep up the hygiene techniques recommended by the CDC...regular hand washing, especially upon entering the home, avoiding sick people, etc.