Life after the swine flu vaccine
FALL CITY, Wash. -- Doctors fighting swine flu are facing two fronts: the disease itself and patients' fears about the vaccine and potential side effects.
To see just what sort of side effects the vaccine might have, KOMO News checked in with one of the first families to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
Cynthia Thomsen received the H1N1 vaccine as part of a clinical trial that helped researchers find the proper dose.
"The first shot I got -- it hurt a little bit more, but I think it was because cameras were watching," she said.
Researchers also vaccinated her son, Zach, and husband, Beckett.
"I didn't have any problems. A little bit sore the first day, but after that, it was nothing," said Beckett Thomsen.
A recent survey found real reluctance toward the H1N1 vaccine. Forty one percent of those surveyed said they won't get swine flu shots, and 44-percent said they had no plans to vaccinate their kids.
Some cited possible side effects from the vaccine as a reason for their reluctance. Others said they didn't think they'd catch the swine flu and even if they did, they could take medication for it then.
As for any side effects, Zach says he never felt any different from the vaccine.
"Just like regular," he said.
The swine flu virus has been spreading quickly, prompting local hospital officials to take measures to protect patients and visitors.
The swine flu vaccine does not protect its recipient from the seasonal flu.
To see just what sort of side effects the vaccine might have, KOMO News checked in with one of the first families to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
Cynthia Thomsen received the H1N1 vaccine as part of a clinical trial that helped researchers find the proper dose.
"The first shot I got -- it hurt a little bit more, but I think it was because cameras were watching," she said.
Researchers also vaccinated her son, Zach, and husband, Beckett.
"I didn't have any problems. A little bit sore the first day, but after that, it was nothing," said Beckett Thomsen.
A recent survey found real reluctance toward the H1N1 vaccine. Forty one percent of those surveyed said they won't get swine flu shots, and 44-percent said they had no plans to vaccinate their kids.
Some cited possible side effects from the vaccine as a reason for their reluctance. Others said they didn't think they'd catch the swine flu and even if they did, they could take medication for it then.
As for any side effects, Zach says he never felt any different from the vaccine.
"Just like regular," he said.
The swine flu virus has been spreading quickly, prompting local hospital officials to take measures to protect patients and visitors.
The swine flu vaccine does not protect its recipient from the seasonal flu.