Is the H1N1 vaccine safe for a 15 year old who has been on penicillin since she was 6?

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"My daughter had her spleen removed at age 6. She's been on penicillin since. She's now 15 years old. Is the H1N1 vaccination safe for her? Is it necessary since she's on penicillin every day?"

Asked by Bob via email.

In Topics: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu), Physical Health

> 60 days ago

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Answer

Expert

Wayne Yankus

Dec 8, 2009

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What the Expert Says:

Good Question. The CDC recommendation is that she receive the vaccine. It is safe for her. She is at greater risk of illnesses by virtue of losing her spleen. However, consult her pediatrician and ask what she recommends and if she has the vaccine or can direct you to a clinic where it would be available in the injectable form. The penicillin she takes daily is to protect against certain bacteria and will not protect against viruses such as influenza.

Wayne Yankus, MD, FAAP
expert panelist: pediatrics

Resources:

www.flu.gov

www.aap.org

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