Is the H1N1 vaccine safe? Has anyone died?

EUGENE, Ore. -- Even as people line up to receive the limited supply of H1N1 vaccine, others are still concerned about its safety.

KVAL News received this email from Linda Lazar:
    
"I've been trying to find reliable and factual statistics about how many people have died from taking the H1N1 vaccine, and if there is a statistic that tells how many have become seriously ill or permanently adversely affected because they took the H1N1 vaccine. It would be great to be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to get the vaccine."
    
KVAL News researched this question.

In initial safety trials, the H1N1 vaccine acted like the season flu vaccine. The most common side effects were headache, runny nose and decreased activity. There were no severe reactions.
    
About 100 clinical trials are still underway.

There is a national database for vaccine side effects, but the swine flu vaccine has only been available this month. The database is only updated through September so far.

Also in Friday's Center for Disease Control briefing, health officials said most H1N1 vaccine side effects had been mild. There was no mention any severe reactions.

KVAL News asked the CDC specifically if there have been any deaths or severe side effects.

Abbigail Tumphey, associate director for communications science at the CDC, said they have had one report for a death that came post H1N1 vaccination. However, follow up determined that the individual had an underlying condition that contributed to the death. An autopsy is being conducted.

Five other people reported adverse conditions which are also being investigating. At least one may be an allergic reaction.

She also said they have had fewer reports of adverse side effects to all flu vaccinations than last year relative to the number of shots. And they have had more reports of adverse side effects with seasonal flu than swine flu, again relative to the numbmer of shots.and have yet to receive an official answer.

The CDC said that the swine flu vaccine is made the same way -- and is as safe  -- as season flu vaccine. They said H1N1 would have been included in the seasonal vaccine had it hit just a few months earlier.

The non-partisan, nonprofit consumer advocate group Factcheck.org also addressed many of the concerns circulating about the H1N1 vaccine.