Two pharmacists distinguish between facts and fiction

Misunderstanding about influenza vaccine Existing For decades It leads to distrust of the vaccine and lower than ideal immunization rates. Now that coronavirus vaccines look close, experts are concerned that a lack of confidence and understanding of influenza vaccines can lead to lower than optimal coronavirus vaccination rates.

In fact, recent studies suggest that many Americans are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Pew Research Center research According to a report released in September, almost half is arguably, or probably not. Persistence of anti-vaccine sentiment, partly based on distrust of vaccine components, may contribute to hesitation.

Lack of trust is particularly angry with public health authorities, doctors, and other scientists. This problem is especially troublesome. Because the main reason for vaccine resistance is Uncovered, withdrawn, and completely false articles..

Although the study lost credibility 10 years ago, the damage was difficult to undo. This event showed how easy it is to disseminate false information, especially via the Internet.

As a drug information pharmacist, Want Check out the so many controversial ingredients and remind yourself that this is a great opportunity to get a flu vaccine. Influenza vaccination is an important part of self-care and health care, as the number of cases of coronavirus is soaring, threatening not only life but also the ability of hospitals to treat them.

Influenza vaccine 101

Influenza vaccine Different every yearThis is because there are different types of viruses and strains of each virus. The content of the vaccine depends on the type of influenza circulating in a particular year.

FDA Vaccine and Related Biologics Advisory Board Determine the vaccine Use the best scientific evidence at hand to determine which virus strains to include for the next flu season.

Mass production of influenza vaccines requires the replication of large numbers of viruses. Vaccine manufacturers do this with eggs or animal cell lines from which the virus can be collected. The final product may contain trace amounts of egg protein. People with egg allergies can usually get these vaccines. However, if you have a severe allergy to egg protein, Egg protein-free influenza vaccine is available..

Virus inactivation

Influenza vaccines carry dead or dead versions of the virus. In turn, the body initiates an immune response, Vaccines cannot cause the flu Because the virus is killed.

One flu vaccine given as a nasal spray – FluMist – Contains a weakened live virus. In a healthy person This does not cause the fluHowever, it can cause runny nose, stuffy nose, headaches and sore throat. Do not use the live attenuated influenza vaccine if you have a weakened immune system or if you are caring for someone with a weakened immune system.

Chemicals are used to inactivate the virus. However, the amount of inactivated agent contained in the finished influenza vaccine is negligible.

One of the common agents Formaldehyde..High levels of formaldehyde are natural Included in fruits.. The average apple contains 600 times more formaldehyde than is found in flu vaccine doses.

Keep the vaccine stable

Vaccines also need to be stabilized in order to maintain their effectiveness when exposed to heat, light, or humidity, or when changes in acidity occur. Vaccine manufacturers use stabilizers such as sucrose, sorbitol, gelatin and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Everything is an ingredient found in almost every kitchen. Sucrose and sorbitol are sugars. Collagen-derived gelatin is used in Jell-O and Gumikuma. Monosodium glutamate adds flavor to many dishes. Also, the amount of stabilizers contained in influenza vaccines is very small. The average person consumes much more of these ingredients per day through normal food consumption. For example, the amount of sugar and gelatin in a vaccine dose is much lower than that found in a single gummy bear. Also, for people with gelatin allergies, finding a flu vaccine is easy.

Preservative

Vaccines can be contaminated, and to prevent this, thimerosal may be added to prevent bacterial or fungal contamination from being administered multiple times using the same vial. Untrustworthy studies have led many to believe that the vaccine thimerosal can cause autism. However, in subsequent studies, Vaccines containing thimerosal and autism..

Thimerosal contains an organic derivative of mercury. Ethylmercury, One of two types of elements that people may be exposed to.The body eliminates it more easily than it is called the second type MethylmercuryIncluded in contaminated fish.

It is true that high exposure to mercury can affect the central nervous system. However, the amount of elemental mercury in the vaccine dose is 25 mcg, which is equivalent to the amount of a 3 ounce can. Tuna.. However, thimerosal is only contained in multiple dose vials and can be easily avoided by vaccination with a single dose influenza vaccine that does not contain thimerosal.

Added ingredients

One flu vaccine, Fluad and Fluad Quadrivalent Approved to prevent seasonal influenza in adults 65 years and older. Contains additional ingredients or adjuvants to boost the immune response. The adjuvant for this vaccine is MF59, an oil-in-water emulsion of squalene oil.

Squalene It is found naturally in plants, animals, and the human body. The highly purified influenza vaccine squalene is obtained from shark liver oil. Squalene from shark liver is also found in cosmetics, over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements. Each dose of the vaccine contains 4 teaspoons of olive oil.There is no serious reaction related to Squalene in vaccine It has been observed.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are often used in vaccine production to prevent bacterial contamination during production. In some cases, the vaccine may contain very small amounts. These antibiotics are not generally associated with severe allergic reactions such as penicillins, cephalosporins and sulfa drugs. Instead, antibiotics commonly used in the production of influenza vaccines include neomycin, kanamycin, polymyxin B, and gentamicin.

These trace amounts of antibiotics are not clearly associated with severity Allergic reaction.. For those who have experienced an allergic reaction to any of these antibiotics, influenza vaccines that do not contain them are available.

Different formulations of influenza vaccines contain different ingredients, but most are in very small amounts. A single dose once a year is unlikely to have any adverse effects. Most influenza vaccines can be safely administered unless the person has a history of severe allergic reactions to the ingredients.

Centuries ago, Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, said: Everything is poisonous, and without it there is nothing. Water is healthy in the right amount for us, but too little or too much can be fatal. It is the dose that determines whether something is dangerous, Paracelsus says. Consider that wise advice when considering whether to take the flu vaccine centuries later.

This article was originally published conversation Along Terry Levien And Ann P. Kim Both at Washington State University.read Click here for the original article..