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H1N1 flu: vaccinate those at risk and those around them

Vaccination against H1N1 flu is advisable for those at risk of complications (especially pregnant women and infants), the people around them and those who take care of them.

French health authorities delayed vaccinating children and adults with a serious risk of complications, as a result of their decision to vaccinate only health professionals initially.

Vaccination of those with a high risk of serious complications is justified, as well as of the people around them or who are caring for them.

Pregnant women and infants are running a high risk of serious complications from H1N1 flu. They should be vaccinated with inactivated, split-virus vaccine, with no adjuvants.

Antiviral drugs (oseltamivir) do not offer much help to adults, children or infants.

©Prescrire January 2010

Source: "Vaccins grippaux H1N1v (suite)" Rev Prescrire 2009 (314): 896 .