My 13-year-old son has MODY 2 (he had the genetic test). I am concerned about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine. My son had the seasonal flu last year (type A), took Relenza very early and only had mild symptoms. He didn’t have the seasonal flu shot last year. This year, he has had the seasonal flu shot. If I decide to have him get the H1N1 vaccine, can he have the nasal spray with the live virus or should he have the shot? The endocrinologist’s office gave me two conflicting answers. One nurse said he must have shot, while the other said he can have spray. He is not on any medication, only diet and exercise and maintains an A1c of 6.6.

Current CDC and infectious disease experts all are in agreement to have everyone get regular flu shots plus whichever method is most appropriate for age for available swine flu vaccine. Diabetes, for most kids type 1 or 2, is only a minor added risk but is an added factor. Most of the hype about side effects seems to be media hype and not so well founded in scientific fact or experience since swine vaccine is prepared similar to usual flu vaccine. So, it really depends on how much (minimal) vaccine risk one wants versus the much larger epidemic of flu risk. Worst hit seem to be 10 to 30 year olds like in our own practice. It is most important group to get both vaccines as soon as available.

SB

[Editor’s comment: See also H1N1 Redux: Myths and Legends.

BH]