Unsure about H1N1 vaccine for DS

[MickeyMousse]

Like so many other posters, I am banging my head over whether or not to have my DS8 receive the H1N1 vaccine.
Some background: he had pneumonia 12/07 and asthmatic bronhcitis 6/09. He has a wheeze when he gets sick (= nebulizer) but has not been diagnosed w/asthma.
I called his drs office and they said he fit the criteria to receive the vaccine. OK, made an appointment for next week.
NOW, with all the news and my unfortunate addiction to googling has made me second guess my decision! I see info on "Is the vaccine safe", "has it been tested enough", etc???
I feel like I get more confused with the more I read. Now I think I just need outside views on what other people are doing/have done.
Oh, and we will be driving down to WDW 11/14.
Thanks!!!!!

[BrerGnat]

I am in the same boat! I have two DS's, 5 and 3. The three year old wheezes when he gets a bad respiratory infection. We've had to use "rescue" steroid pills (the ones that melt on the tongue), three times for him when he had trouble breathing in the middle of the night. But, he has not been diagnosed with asthma either. Literally EVERY time he catches a cold, it turns to sinusitis.

My older son has Autism, and tends to get sick a lot because he mouths his hands. However, he had the flu last year and was really sick for about 5 days, but had no complications, so I don't really worry too much. When he gets sick, it never tends to turn into anything serious (like bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, etc.)

Both my kids fit the "criteria", but I'm just not sure either. I mean, I'm mostly concerned about my 3 year old, but then I figure, if I get the vaccine for one, might as well get them both done and myself as well, right?

I know for sure that I'm not open to having them get the Flu Mist, so I'm waiting for the injectable vaccine to be available here.

Thing is, flu is going around NOW. Might be too late by the time it arrives...

I worry a lot about side effects, which is why we've NEVER gotten any sort of flu vaccine (except my DH, who is required for his work).

[KH]

Here is some straight forward, expert advice:

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/is-the-h1n1-swine-flu-vaccine-safe

Here's to you and your family's good health!

[BMan62]

Here is some straight forward, expert advice:

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/is-the-h1n1-swine-flu-vaccine-safe

Here's to you and your family's good health!

Thanks for this very informative post!

[seanyred]

Like so many other posters, I am banging my head over whether or not to have my DS8 receive the H1N1 vaccine.
Some background: he had pneumonia 12/07 and asthmatic bronhcitis 6/09. He has a wheeze when he gets sick (= nebulizer) but has not been diagnosed w/asthma.I called his drs office and they said he fit the criteria to receive the vaccine. OK, made an appointment for next week.
NOW, with all the news and my unfortunate addiction to googling has made me second guess my decision! I see info on "Is the vaccine safe", "has it been tested enough", etc???
I feel like I get more confused with the more I read. Now I think I just need outside views on what other people are doing/have done.
Oh, and we will be driving down to WDW 11/14.
Thanks!!!!!

Double check with the CDC but I believe your son should not get the flu mist version due to the wheezing that he does have when he gets sick. There is more info at www.flu.gov
If it was me I would wait for the injectible. I'm a healthy adult and I was given the flu-mist and I felt terrible for two days after the mist, but I have been fine since then.

And of course double check with his doctor.

[MickeyMousse]

Here is some straight forward, expert advice:

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/is-the-h1n1-swine-flu-vaccine-safe

Here's to you and your family's good health!

Thank you for this informative post! It answered alot of questions that I had. I read it and passed it along to others that I know who are having a hard time deciding, too.

And I am pretty sure he is scheduled for the injection and not the nasal mist due to his wheezing problem.

[MNNHFLTX]

Double check with the CDC but I believe your son should not get the flu mist version due to the wheezing that he does have when he gets sick. There is more info at www.flu.gov
If it was me I would wait for the injectible. I'm a healthy adult and I was given the flu-mist and I felt terrible for two days after the mist, but I have been fine since then.

And of course double check with his doctor.Absolutely right, the only children getting the nasal spray vaccination right now are children older than 2 that do not have any chronic health issues. I know your son has not been diagnosed with asthma, but it sounds like he's had fairly recent episodes of respiratory illnesses with wheezing, so caution might be in order. Check with your son's pediatrician to be sure, but if it was me I would wait until they start distributing the injectable vaccine. The good part about that is that it is basically made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine, which is generally regarded as a very safe vaccine. Incidentally, the injectable vaccine is a dead vaccine and you cannot get the flu from it. I know some people are skeptical about this, but it is a scientific fact. The nasal spray vaccine does have live virus particles and there is an outside chance that it could cause people with a compromised immune system to have flu-like symptoms, that is why it is not recommended for everyone.

As for me, I have already received the seasonal flu shot and will get the H1N1 when it is offered (it's advised for healthcare workers). And my son (17) will for sure be getting one too, if the supply holds out for high school kids. It doesn't matter if it's in December or even January as February is when flu season starts to peak and there should be enough resistance to help ward off the virus.

[MickeyMousse]

My pediatricians office said they have both the nasal and injectable, so I will be asking for the injectable. Just a change in the weather (and we've had wacky weather here in NY lately!!) brings a cough to my DS.

After reading the link BMan62 provided and reading these great posts by fellow Intercotees, I am feeling better about the decision I made for him to receive it.

:fingers:

[RenDuran]

We're waiting for the shot, because my son has terrible asthma. I won't even let his sister get the mist, because there's still a tiny chance she could transfer it to him, since it's a live, though weakened virus. Plus, I think he'd be upset if she got by with an easy mist, while he has to take a needle!

The worst thing is that he's under 10, so he'll have to get 2 shots! The CDC makes it sounds as if you have absolutely no protection from the first shot if you're under 10. It's not until the second shot that there is a measure of immunity. I'm wondering...will there be enough vaccine to go get that second shot three weeks later?

I have a sneaky feeling that we'll end up with the H1N1 flu before we even get shots. That stuff is blowing through our school system.

I'm tired of people telling me to not worry about this type of flu...that it's no worse than seasonal. Well, if you have a child in the house with asthma, you should be worried about any flu! Or even flu-like illnesses!

As far as safety of the vaccine, it's not really a "new" vaccine. It's made the same way as seasonal, but with the H1N1 virus, instead of the usual strains they choose from.

[Disney Doll]

The good part about that is that it is basically made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine, which is generally regarded as a very safe vaccine.

That's exactly what my doctor said. In fact she said H1N1 would have been included in the seasonal flu vaccine if it had been ready earlier.

[tinklover]

I guess I am in the minority of people who refuse to get this for my kids. Even their Doc is leery about giving it and will only give to those who ask for it. I can't get any flu shot thank goodness. I am allergic to eggs. The H1N1vaccine is too new and full of mercury. it is also being made by Baxter who was caught adding Live Bird flu cultures into their vaccines. yep no thanks not for this family.

[rubato]

I am going today to get the vaccine for my son and myself. I think it's worth it. I have an auto immune disease and catch everything. My son will catch it if I do. I know all about the mercury concerns and think the risk of H1N1 outweighs the risk from the mercury. I feel for those who need it the most though. The children with respitory issues who can't take the mist are the ones forced to wait for the injection. I just think that's wrong.

[thrillme]

I haven't made a firm decision either. but...I figure since we are all fortunately healthy we'll just play it by ear for now. Practice good handwashing techniques and be conscious of things we touch in public settings and use plenty of sanitizer in between times. I really believe we'll be fine.

If I was pregnant. I would NOT get the shot. Unless I MUST I would prefer to stay away from as much medication as possible. I don't think it's been out long enough to prove it doesn't cause problems. BUT...I wouldn't fault anyone for thinking the other way beliveing they'll protect the baby either.

I'll let everybody who wants it "go first". It they come out OK...then maybe I'll try it if it's available.

My DS's school is going to be offering the shot...almost like they're going to PUSH it. But since it's so hard to get right now I guess we'll have some time. I do have some friends who really want it because they're so worried because their kids have other problems such as asthema etc. IF my child had a medical problem then YES...I would get it ASAP.

NEXT year the H1N1 will be included as part of the standard Flu Shot. By then...maybe we'll have the Bovine flu (we've already had Chicken and then Swine...we might as well continue on with the rest of the barnyard animals).

[green ranger]

I guess I am in the minority of people who refuse to get this for my kids. Even their Doc is leery about giving it and will only give to those who ask for it. I can't get any flu shot thank goodness. I am allergic to eggs. The H1N1vaccine is too new and full of mercury. it is also being made by Baxter who was caught adding Live Bird flu cultures into their vaccines. yep no thanks not for this family.

Tinklover, I agree with you. My husband and I have done a lot of research, and will not be giving our family this shot. Through our research, we read that parents should ask to see the paperwork that comes with the vaccine. One article stated that the paperwork reads that they do NOT know the effects of this vaccine on children under 12. That's scary!! I have not asked to see the paperwork because we know we are not vaccinating, but if you are on the fence, maybe you could ask to see it, see if it reads that, and question the doctor about that statement.

[BrerGnat]

Tinklover, I agree with you. My husband and I have done a lot of research, and will not be giving our family this shot. Through our research, we read that parents should ask to see the paperwork that comes with the vaccine. One article stated that the paperwork reads that they do NOT know the effects of this vaccine on children under 12. That's scary!! I have not asked to see the paperwork because we know we are not vaccinating, but if you are on the fence, maybe you could ask to see it, see if it reads that, and question the doctor about that statement.

The reason that the paperwork says that is because children under 12 are never included in clinical trials, unless it is a medication designed SPECIFICALLY for children.

[tinklover]

the media has hyped this flu to the MAX. I know quite a few people who right now have H1N1. one Just turned a year and the others are adults. They are all doing fine. this strain is milder then that of the one that came out earlier this year from Mexico where everyone was dying. Seriously the vaccine in my eyes is causing more harm then the actual illness. JMO

[MNNHFLTX]

the media has hyped this flu to the MAX. I know quite a few people who right now have H1N1. one Just turned a year and the others are adults. They are all doing fine. this strain is milder then that of the one that came out earlier this year from Mexico where everyone was dying. Seriously the vaccine in my eyes is causing more harm then the actual illness. JMO

I understand your feelings behind not vaccinating your kids, everyone has the right to decide that for themselves. But just to address your last statement--at the present time there is no evidence that the vaccine is causing harm to anyone. In fact, I have yet to hear of any serious side effects anyone has suffered from it. Now whether or not they discover any long-term effects I do not claim to know. I suppose that's true of many medications/treatments in use today.

[Joannelet]

please be careful of what you read on the CDC website and what you are hearing on the news.
They use scare tactics about any flu or any new vaccination that comes out. Its basically all a money scam for the pharmaceutical companies.
Please please please do MUCH needed research for you and your families. If you are in a HIGH RISK category then by all means get it....I mean high risk if you have breathing issues etc.
If you are pregnant that does NOT qualify you for a high risk category. If you are around children constantly, have previous health issues then by all means get the shot.
Just be aware that they do NOT KNOW LONG TERM EFFECTS on children, fetuses, AND adults!!!!
Anyone that gets this shot will be a human test for the next few years to come.
I know I do not want to be that testing person...nor do I want my children or any family member to be that testing ground. I am not in a high risk category. My doctor and my child's doctor does NOT recommend this shot.....
For info on the swine flu look into docs that actually care and do not care about pharmaceutical companies making money etc.....dr. sears, mercola website, etc.
If you want I can send you stuff in pm.

[Joannelet]

Also when you see research find out WHO FUNDED THAT RESEARCH!!!!!
Answers will favor where the money is from!!!

[MickeyMousse]

My neighbor called me to let me know that both she and her DD7 were diagnosed w/swine flu yesterday. Her DD ran a high fever and typical aches and pains however she (mom) said she felt like she was hit by a truck.

[MNNHFLTX]

If you are pregnant that does NOT qualify you for a high risk category.
I'm sorry, I have to disagree with this statement. Statistics have shown that pregnant women (who account for 1% of the population) have a disproportionately high mortality rate (13%) compared with the rest of the general population who gets sick with H1N1. The assumption is that their immune systems have the potential to be compromised during pregnancy, so that does put them in a higher risk group--hence the recommendation by the CDC to be vaccinated. I know at the hospital I work at that any woman that's pregnant and experiencing possible flu symptoms is automatically hospitalized and given anti-viral medications.

However, the nasal mist vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, so unfortunately they have to wait until the injectable vaccine is distributed.

[Georgesgirl1]

The worst thing is that he's under 10, so he'll have to get 2 shots! The CDC makes it sounds as if you have absolutely no protection from the first shot if you're under 10. It's not until the second shot that there is a measure of immunity. I'm wondering...will there be enough vaccine to go get that second shot three weeks later?

As far as safety of the vaccine, it's not really a "new" vaccine. It's made the same way as seasonal, but with the H1N1 virus, instead of the usual strains they choose from.

I think you are right about not being able to get the booster before they run out. We got DS (9 months) the regular flu shot, and now that it is time for the booster, they are out and don't know when more will come in.

You are also right about the vaccine not being "new." It is as new as the regular flu shot is every year since the regular flu shot is a little different every year based on the strains from the year before.

[seanyred]

To help clarify the AT RISK Category here is the priority list in order of priority.

From the CDC:
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical personnel
• Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened
immune system.

I got the H1N1 Flu Mist two weeks ago today. I'm dong fine.

As per the mercury inside the shot. There is one known manufacturer that has an additive that has small traces of mercury. My only question is how much mercury is actually in it and can it do harm? Remember that we ALL ingest some level of Heavy Metals

Each person and family is able to make their own decision on whether or not they want to take this shot. Just please base it on fact on media hype.

[BMan62]

Prevent Swine Flu - Good Advice

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist)
having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in
institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital ,
Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine
Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical
Centre, Malad (W).

The following message, given by him, makes a lot of sense and is
important for all to know.

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global
epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into
contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not
so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1
infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms
and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not
fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced
(instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official
communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any
part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't
trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/
nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple
gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has
the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected
one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful
preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with
warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra NetIQ
(very good Yoga asana to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose
hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in
warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C
(Alma and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C
tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking
warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse
direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the
stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know who
might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.

[Joannelet]

Pregnant women who are showing flu like symptoms are not all hospitalized. The news media is only reporting on ones that are and of course the deaths. (of course because that is what they get the info from) A pregnant women has more trouble breathing than the average person. Thus can cause problems if the come down with any flu (not just the swine flu) but also bronchitis etc. (which there are NO vaccines for!)
I know my child's pediatrician just told a pregnant mom NOT to get vaccinated. If she is NOT around children and at home he told her the chances of her getting it are extremely low. She is NOT A HIGH RISK of getting the flu. The chances of it hurting her unborn child are UNKNOWN. He said you have to evaluate your personal lifestyle. Where you work etc.
Those were his exact words to her.
Be extremely cautious of washing your hands, not touching your face, and doing the same for our children. Wipe surfaces down often including phones, remotes etc.
According to some lists I am in a high risk category because I am a stay at home mom with a 11 month old. But I was advised by more than 1 doc to not get this vaccine. (nor to administer it to my baby)
Everyone has to do their own research on it. See where you are getting your research from and go with your gut feeling. Do you get sick easily etc? Only you can answer that.

[thrillme]

I guess I just feel like people have fatalities from the flu every year. This is no different. We got the standard flu shot...I doubt we will qualify for the swine flu shot. But it's supposed to be included in NEXT years regular flu shot.

My bigger worry is being exposed to something when we go to the Dr's office. I know when we go to my son's peditrician office...I usually have him wait OUTSIDE if possible and we touch nothing and use quite a bit of that hand cleaner. I really wish they would have waiting rooms for contagious illnesses and healthy kid checks totally separated by a wall. I always freak when a see a little sick kid wander over to the healthy kid area.

[MickeyMousse]

I really wish they would have waiting rooms for contagious illnesses and healthy kid checks totally separated by a wall. I always freak when a see a little sick kid wander over to the healthy kid area.

WOW! I will consider myself lucky...our pediatrician has 2 separate entrances and areas for "well care" and "illnesses". :thumbsup:

[green ranger]

The reason that the paperwork says that is because children under 12 are never included in clinical trials, unless it is a medication designed SPECIFICALLY for children.

As a parent, that doesn't make me feel comfortable with injecting them.

[starryeyes21]

If you are concerned about Mercury then you can ask for the flu vaccine without the preservative. I am pregnant and did so when I received my seasonal flu vaccination. Where I live this argument is, currently, moot because nobody has this vaccine. There is very little, traceable, mercury in the shot. About as much as in one can of albacore tuna. If your child eats tuna on a regular or even semi-regular basis then they are ingesting more mercury then is in this vaccine.

Pregnant women are considered in the high risk group because they have weakened immune systems and H1N1 seems to hit them pretty hard. Also, as the baby grows it presses up on the lungs and this also creates a problem. I spend time on message boards devoted to pregnancy and some of the women on the boards have come down with H1N1. Most were hyper vigilant about symptoms, recognized what they had right away and were started in Tamiflu quickly. Only one woman was put in the hospital and, last I heard, was on a respirator.

Since I can't access the vaccination. I've been gargling with salt water and invested in a netti pot. It's a great little invention. Also, handwashing is of the utmost importance.

Sadly, fatalities in children have been high. Over 100 already. That's more than is usually seen in an entire flu season. It's a highly personal decision. One that can only be made by a parent. All of this flu hysteria has left me wondering where this general mistrust of the government and the CDC has come from. Do we really all believe that these agencies are out to get us. I find it extremely sad that people have this "well let them get it first" attitude. So, other people should, in your eyes, endanger their children for the sake of your own. All I can say to that is, Wow!

[Joannelet]

All of this flu hysteria has left me wondering where this general mistrust of the government and the CDC has come from. Do we really all believe that these agencies are out to get us.

The mistrust of the CDC and pharm. companies have come way BEFORE the flu vaccine. They have been donationg more and more money yearly to the govt so whatever they say goes. Thats just the way it is. Parents of children with autism, neurological disorders, cancer etc have been fighting this war for years.
I cannot give you a website but look up generation rescue.
Its a BIG deal in the lives of MANY families. Its the way our world works.....but parents have to realize that they are their CHILD'S VOICE and they do have a right to say no or yes to what goes into their children. You are your child's own advocate.
Where I live shots are mandatory. Its mandatory to have your baby receive 36 shots most by the time they are 5 years old.
I am one of the states where we have one of the highest rates of children with autism and other neurological diseases. The other state that comes in first also has mandated shots.
That is where the distrust comes in. Again this has been going on LONG before this new vaccine. Now more and more people are realizing it because some Dr.'s are starting to talk and demanding more research be done because parents are no longer allowing dictation.
There are a lot of studies showing parents otherwise in regards to the info being put out by the CDC.

[Mickey'sGirl]

We will all get the H1N1 shots. Me (immuno-suppressed and asthmatic), my DH (no health issues), and both of our children (occasional bronchial asthma). My DH and I feel strongly that it our responsibility to protect our children whenever we can -- and this vaccine certainly provides this opportunity. We live in a huge city with millions of people, we take public transit, are involved in our community with sports and schools, and travel quite frequently.

Additionally, ALL current medical research done worldwide has DISMISSED any link between neurological conditions such as Autism, and vaccines. Beware of the media hype being spewed by pseudo-celebrities. It is dangerously misinformed.

[CanadianWDWFan]

OK Folks,

Let's keep this thread on topic and the political/government discussion out of it. The OP was talking about the H1N1 Vaccine.

[Ian]

Additionally, ALL current medical research done worldwide has DISMISSED any link between neurological conditions such as Autism, and vaccines. Beware of the media hype being spewed by pseudo-celebrities. It is dangerously misinformed.The first part of what you said isn't entirely accurate. The official CDC position on this today is basically that a link hasn't been completely ruled out, but the weight of the evidence available suggests that there isn't one. That's not quite the same thing as the link being dismissed.

And just FYI, I work in marketing for pharma companies so I have quite a bit of access to CDC info, FDA publications, etc.

Anyway, on the topic at hand ... here's the way I look at it. I, personally, am not going to get the vaccine. The risk for me, as a healthy adult male, of dying of the flu is infinitesimally small. Ditto for DW, although she may opt to get one anyway.

But my kids? Look ... if there is some long-term, as yet unknown health risk from being vaccinated, well ... we'll deal with that if it ever came to fruition. But if, God forbid, I didn't vaccinate my kids and they got H1N1 and died? I'd never, ever be able to live with myself.

I've looked at the data and I know how the H1N1 vaccine was developed (Baxter is, in fact, one of my clients, although I don't work on their flu shot programs) and it's fundamentally the same vaccine that's been given out for decades with no ill effects.

[Mickey'sGirl]

The first part of what you said isn't entirely accurate. You're right. I should have said the International studies.

In our news today, we were told that there are several second stage provinces here in Ontario, so the push to vaccinate is even stronger now!

[Ian]

You're right. I should have said the International studies.

In our news today, we were told that there are several second stage provinces here in Ontario, so the push to vaccinate is even stronger now!I really shouldn't have picked nits anyway, because the gist of what you said was fundamentally correct.

I just didn't want anyone getting the idea that these vaccines had been definitively proven harmless when it comes to autism.

[BrerGnat]

But my kids? Look ... if there is some long-term, as yet unknown health risk from being vaccinated, well ... we'll deal with that if it ever came to fruition. But if, God forbid, I didn't vaccinate my kids and they got H1N1 and died? I'd never, ever be able to live with myself.


See, this says it all, for me anyway. This is how I feel, fundamentally. My "mother's instinct" is to protect my kids. I think I am getting sidetracked by all the controversy. I have gotten them every other vaccine that has been recommended. I sort of wonder what is making me question this one.

I don't have Autism to worry about at this point. One of my sons already has it...and the other does NOT. He rec'd ALL the same vaccines as my older son, and he doesn't have Autism. I am a very strong believer that Autism (for MY child with it) was a genetic thing. My family tree is FULL of people with "autistic like tendencies". I would have actually been shocked if one of my kids didn't have Autism. But, that's a topic for another day.

[Disney Doll]

I got the H1N1 shot last week. I am 26 weeks pregnant and after learning of SIL's aunt who while pregnant came down with H1N1 and had serious complications I wasted no time in protecting myself. I know most people who contract H1N1 are ultimately fine, but when you actually know of someone who experienced an emergency c-section at 36 weeks because of H1N1 the risk seems a little more real. In her case, she needed aggressive treatment that would not have been safe for the baby. Thank goodness she was 36 weeks. The baby will likely be okay, but mom is still in serious condition. I prefer the added peace of mind I have now having had the shot.

We are still on the fence about DS and will be asking his pediatrician at his 2 year check up this week. He doesn't go to daycare, but DH works retail where he comes into contact with all the public's germs on a daily basis so I worry about DH bringing germs home. I work in an office, with limited public contact, but already we have had a few coworkers with swine flu cases in their immediate families.

[merlinmagic4]

But my kids? Look ... if there is some long-term, as yet unknown health risk from being vaccinated, well ... we'll deal with that if it ever came to fruition. But if, God forbid, I didn't vaccinate my kids and they got H1N1 and died? I'd never, ever be able to live with myself.



Well, that's a big :ditto: from me! I would not take that chance with my child. We do have a unique situation here with a child who has a kidney transplant and a life threatening lung issue but my other children will receive it as well. We are scheduled for tomorrow evening as a matter of fact. I just hope no one comes home with a fever tonight! I don't know if I will find one for myself but my kids will be protected (I hope).

[HollyB]

For info on the swine flu look into docs that actually care and do not care about pharmaceutical companies making money etc.....dr. sears, mercola website, etc.
If you want I can send you stuff in pm.

The Mercola article on H1N1 has been refuted as being full of misleading/inaccurate information. You can find articles on the subject on the website of Science Based Medicine.

While I agree that you have to balance what pharmaceutical companies say with the knowledge that they make money by selling you drugs, the same logic applies to Mercola and other advocates of "natural medicine." They make money selling these "natural" remedies. To imply they are only being altruistic is disingenuous.

Personally, I think there is a place for both styles of medicine and that they often work well together, but let the consumer be aware that there are biases on both sides.

That said, for ourselves, we'll be getting the H1N1 vaccine for the kids. I'm on Ian's bandwagon on that one. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

If the H1N1 ever becomes available for my husband and me, we'll get it as well. Same delivery as regular flu, just different virus included. Single-dose shot and flumist do not include mercury. So I'm not worried about that.

Good luck to everyone making this decision. I know everyone is just trying to make the right choice for their family.

[MickeyMousse]

Hi Everyone,

Since I was the OP of this topic I wanted to update everyone on my DS.

He had the first of 2 H1N1 vaccines today. So far, so good. No reaction has been noted except for a welt that developed within an hour after the shot, but that has since gone down alot.

My DS's history made it necessary in my opinion for him to receive this vaccination. The guilt that I would have had if he did come down with the H1N1 flu would have been unbearable. When I weighed out all of the opinions, fact, fiction, pros and cons I went with what my gut said. I can only speak for myself and I feel I made the best decision for my DS8's health.

Thanks for all of the advice, links and more that were posted here. It was greatly appreciated. :thumbsup: