I got my "regular" flu shot last week - which I have no problem with, it's a dead virus immunization. The H1N1 shot, on the other hand, is a live virus immunization ... no thanks, not even if Fedzilla tells me I have to.
Incorrect. The FDA-approved injectable H1N1 vaccine contains inactive (dead) viruses. It is the spray version that has an attenuated virus. Quoth the FDA:
What makes up the Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent vaccines?
The Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccines are manufactured using the same approved processes used to produce the seasonal influenza vaccines. Ingredients used during the manufacture of influenza vaccines include substances to help prevent bacterial contamination, to inactivate or “kill” the viruses, and stabilizers to prevent the vaccine from changing. Vaccines that are packaged in multi-dose vials use a preservative to prevent contamination.
The Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent vaccines are made from a single influenza virus strain that is an A/California/7/09-like virus. For the injectible vaccines, or shots, the virus is inactivated, using the same processes the manufacturers use for seasonal influenza vaccines. The vaccine administered via nasal spray contains a live, attenuated virus.
People who have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to chicken eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine, should not be vaccinated.
I agree totally with your distrust of live virus immunizations. Also, I think most harmful side effects from injections come from other compounds used to prepare the vaccine, not the dead pathogen itself. All I really demand from the government is the FREEDOM OF CHOICE, not a dictate.