WABE: Pediatric H1N1 "Swine Flu" Vaccine Trials Begin Here (2009-08-18)

Science

Pediatric H1N1 "Swine Flu" Vaccine Trials Begin Here

Jim Burress (2009-08-18)

null

ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - For reasons not exactly clear, researchers say the Swine Flu seems to hit young people hardest. That's led to a scramble to get approval for a vaccine, so that school-aged children can be vaccinated before a major outbreak.

Emory's Dr. Harry Keyserling is in charge of the pediatric trials here.

"People start shedding virus before they have symptoms. This is particularly true with young children. By the time you see cases within schools or daycare, it really may be too late."

For that reason, the federal government has recommended schools not cancel classes if an outbreak happens.

Researchers say after the H1N1 vaccine is administered, it will take two to three weeks for recipients to build immunity.

Jim Burress, WABE News
© Copyright 2009, WABE