Q:

I am thoroughly confused about whether I as a Sjögren's patient should take the H1N1 vaccine. I am 62 and have heard so many opposing views from the media and even froom my doctors? What are you saying to your patients?

A:

The Doctor replies:
At this time, (November, 2009), I am not recommending HINI vaccine to other than those given priority by Health and Human Services .There is a shortage of the vaccine. Children and pregnant women should go first.
Most people past their teens will have seen parts of this virus before and therefore have some immunity. If flu symptoms do appear the Doctor may recommend tamiflu or relenza to lessen the effect.

Furthermore it is a new vaccine. From what i can tell and because of being pushed thru using some old technology not used anymore I prefer to be on the cautious side. So until time goes by and we see the pluses & minuses of the vaccine more clearly-I prefer to wait and watch. Just as an aside I might add that I have had a few patients who got the injection and have done fine so far.