Maybe a stupid H1N1 question

[deva]

If you get the H1N1 vaccine this year will you need to get another next year or are you protected for life?

I had sort of assumed that the swine flu would "morph" like the seasonal flu and that you'd need yearly vaccines, but haven't found the answer. Scheduled to go to a flu clinic this week (vaccine availability permitting), so I will certainly ask the nurse. Just wondering if others might know the answer.

 

[Tiger926]

If you get the H1N1 vaccine this year will you need to get another next year or are you protected for life?

I had sort of assumed that the swine flu would "morph" like the seasonal flu and that you'd need yearly vaccines, but haven't found the answer. Scheduled to go to a flu clinic this week (vaccine availability permitting), so I will certainly ask the nurse. Just wondering if others might know the answer.

The flu strain changes each year, and sometimes it changes within a year. That is why, as you mentioned, you need a yearly shot. Next year, they are going to put the H1N1 in the seasonal flu shot, but they will use this year's strain. If that changes, it will be useless, just like the seasonal flu shot was last year. Based on all of my reading, and the way the virus has mutated thus far, you will need a yearly shot.

I wish you luck in getting your shot, Tiger

 

[dizneechic]

Here's a decent article to read:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-20-flu-immunity-children_N.htm
"Flu vaccines confer immunity for one to two years. Actually getting sick with the flu can result in immunity from that particular strain that lasts 20 years or more, CDC tests show."