Are there precautions for receiving the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices indicates that patients with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (sudden weakness/paralysis of the extremities) from previous flu vaccination (estimated at 1-2 cases per 1 million vaccinated patients) are under a precaution for receipt of the H1N1 vaccine. A precaution is a condition in a recipient that might increase the risk for a serious adverse reaction or that might compromise the ability of the vaccine to produce immunity. Injury could result, or a person might experience a more severe reaction to the vaccine than would have otherwise been expected; however, the risk for this happening is less than expected with a contraindication. Under normal circumstances, vaccinations should be deferred when a precaution is present. However, a vaccination might be indicated in the presence of a precaution because the benefit of protection from the vaccine outweighs the risk for an adverse reaction. This is a matter of medical judgment.
