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H1N1 vaccine safe, well-tested
October 28, 2009
Trusting the wrong information could make you seriously ill in the coming months.
Thousands of Albertans have flooded the province's H1N1 immunization clinics since they opened in most centres Oct. 26.
But some individuals are needlessly putting themselves at risk for contracting H1N1 by declining to get immunized, a decision often based on erroneous information about the vaccine.
The H1N1 vaccine is safe and remains your best defence against the virus, says Dr. Gerry Predy, Senior Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services.
"The H1N1 vaccine went through the same approval process all influenza vaccines go through," says Predy. "Careful research into the safety of any vaccine, including H1N1, is done prior to widespread use."
The requirements for vaccines approved for use in Canada are stringent, says Predy.
Every vaccine lot is safety-tested by the manufacturer and by the Biologics and Genetics Therapies Directorate at Health Canada.
Health Canada reviews all available test results, including international data, to ensure the vaccine is safe and effective before it is authorized for use in Canada.
Some individuals claim the H1N1 vaccine took less time to produce and approve than other influenza vaccines.
But Predy points out the current vaccine was years in the making.
"Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been proactively preparing for a potential influenza pandemic for several years," Predy points out.
A mock vaccine was developed by the manufacturer in the pre-pandemic period between 2007 and June 2009 using an H5N1 virus.
Health Canada conducted multiple inspections of the vaccine manufacturing facilities, validated the vaccine production process and reviewed results from both the animal and human studies with the mock vaccine.
The safety and effectiveness of the agent that enhances the body's response to the vaccine, known as an adjuvant, was also assessed by Health Canada.
"The remaining requirements necessary to authorize the H1N1 flu vaccine are similar to what is required each year to support the season flu vaccine in Canada," Predy says.
All Albertans are welcome to receive their H1N1 immunization.
The emphasis for the H1N1 immunization campaign has shifted to high-risk. H1N1 mass vaccination clinics have been suspended until further notice.
For more information, please read the Alberta Health and Wellness news release.
