Free H1N1 Flu Jab

Some companies in Singapore, notably multi national corporations such as the one I am currently work for (STX) are starting to offer free H1N1 flu shots for employees. Doctors and those working in the front line medical health services are given priorities to get the swine flu shot due to the nature of their jobs that expose them to potential H1N1 flu infections.



No doubt such kind intentions are much appreciated however I wonder if it is necessary for healthy adults to get the H1N1 jab much less children, elderly and pregnant woman.

Singapore has already received stockpiles of H1N1 vaccine to deal with any potential major H1N1 outbreak.


In general there are two types of H1N1 vaccines. The so-called ‘adjuvanted’ H1N1 vaccine contains substances that increase the body responses to the swine flu jab as well as boost up the body immune system. The other type of H1N1 vaccine does not contain any booster (adjuvant) and thus considered much safer by doctors to be administered to pregnant women and children.



Many countries including the United States are trying to get all their citizens vaccinated against H1N1. There are many reports and information circulating in the Internet which question the safety of such vaccination and also if it is really necessary for other healthy person to get the jab at all.



The fact that the World Health Organization has granted some of these H1N1 vaccine manufacturers almost complete full immunity against any liability that might arise out from these flu jab such as serious side effects really bothers me. After all, the vaccine wasn’t fully tested for its long-term side effects.



So should you or should you not get the H1N1 flu jab? Some argued that the vaccine has been administered to thousands if not millions of people worldwide with minimal fatalities observed or reported. Opponents of H1N1 vaccination on the other hand claim that the swine flu fatalities and risks have been over hype and that the risk outweighs the benefits.

See "H1N1 Not As Dangerous As It Is Thought To Be."

As for me, I wouldn’t want to take any chances though. Why get the swine flu jab if you are healthy? Let your natural body immune system and defense mechanism deal with the incoming pathogens and virus. After all, that has always been the way Mother Nature let we human deal with diseases.



In summary, my personal opinion is that there is no need to put your health at risk by taking a vaccine that’s rush out to the market without full studies of its mid and long term implications and side effects. Nevertheless the risks pose by such vaccine may not be as serious as some claim to be.


So ultimately the decision really depends on the condition of your personal health, environmental surroundings which may predispose you to higher chances of being infected with the swine and last but not least, your appetite for risk in terms of taking such vaccine. Massive H1N1 vaccination has come under much criticism from not just the public but also some of the better-established health experts’ community at large.