Published: October 11, 2009 11:17 pm      

CDC official downplays risk from swine flu vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — A top U.S. health official says the risks from not getting the swine flu vaccine are greater than any potential risks associated with the vaccine.

Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says she’s surprised by all the misinformation going around about the new vaccine. She says a good safety record from past vaccines bodes well for the swine flu vaccine now becoming available.

Schuchat says there’s no problem associated with getting shots for both the swine flu and seasonal flu on the same day. But health officials recommend a three-week period between receiving the nasal versions of the vaccines.

Schuchat says vaccines remain the best way to protect children and adults from both strains of flu.

She appeared Sunday on CNN’s ‘‘State of the Union.’’