KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |Doctors and CDC encourage H1N1 vaccine

Doctors and CDC encourage H1N1 vaccine

By Fred Childers - bio|email

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - Millions of doses of H1N1 flu vaccinations will be distributed to the public the first week of October, so the question is will you get one?

"No, I don't believe I will," said one man loading groceries into his car.

Some believe a flu shot gives you the flu. The truth is, that's a myth, according to Dr. Susan Kemp an internal physician with Schumpert Hospital. She just completed training to help distribute the vaccinations expected to arrive next week, and she expects a lot of reluctance because of the myth.

"You may have some generalized symptoms of fatigue or feeling bad, that's usually coincidental but you're immune system does mount a response to the vaccine much like it does the virus, but you will not get the flu," said Dr. Kemp.

 Asked if that would change her mind and make her reconsider getting it, one woman said, "possibly".

The center for disease control says the best way to fight the spread of H1N1 is the vaccine, and Louisiana, like other states, is going to ensure those vaccines are available in places other than doctors offices, and hospitals.

"It's mostly going to be in professional offices, I think some pharmacies are going to have it available," said Dr. Kemp.

As far as side effects, Dr. Kemp says the risk is no higher than that of the regular flu shot.

"With any pandemic you want to try to stamp it out as fast as possible," said Dr. Kemp.

 The CDC believes the vaccination it's about to unleash is a perfect match for the virus it's going to fight.

 Louisiana has developed a registry to keep track of who is getting the vaccine.

 The first in line will be the most vulnerable, said to be children under five, also, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.    

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