Vaccinating for H1N1?

[castocreations]

Okay...so I'm not an anti-vaccine nutter, but I'm also not all that enthusiastic about vaccines. I'm almost 36 weeks and will definitely have the standard vaccines given to my boy as the doctor recommends.

But I'm really torn on the H1N1.

I do not personally get the regular Flu vaccine, and haven't for years and years. The "swine" flu is actually less violent (symptom wise) than the standard flu, but of course it's being touted by the media as some mega killer. Most of the children who have died already had pre-existing conditions that made them vulnerable. Which is generally the case with most of the flu deaths (most ppl who die are already vulnerable...elderly, young kids, underlying issues).

Anyway...my mom is an RN and just e-mailed me that all caregivers and those with infants less than 6 months old should get the vaccine. And I think "they" recommend all kids get the vaccine too.

I do NOT want to get the vaccine personally, nor am I thrilled with the idea of my baby having it. It's new and the side effects haven't been fully seen. Plus, I just have never thought that any flu vaccine was that effective for me personally (healthy young woman). I do think that nurses, teachers, old folks, and those who work with kids/old people should get them.

What do you think? I'm so torn...

[greenrays]

I wonder what people think also.... Our Pedi just told us all to get the flu shot, well...not the newborn... but said we all need to have it this year to help in him not getting sick.

I've never been a fan of the flu shot b/c it's just a guessing game. I don't know about getting it and can't even contemplate the swine vaccine!!!

Will be interesting to hear others thoughts....

[thecooperhouse]

The H1N1 vaccine is just like any other flu vaccine. They didn't have to "invent" the vaccine just for this outbreak. The H1N1 virus has been around several times, so they know what vaccine to use, it just has to be grown. It takes a long time to manufacture the vaccine. So the risks would be the same as any flu vaccine.

[MrsPinecone]

DH works in Washington DC in a hotel, so he is exposed to all kinds of stuff.

We will all get our regular flu shots this year, as always. I am not too concerned about the swine flu.

[cori n wes mom]

I think the point in you getting the vaccine...is to lessen the chance of your infant child getting it. A child less than 6 months old would be considered one of the high risk categories.

FYI one of the highest risk for swine flu is actually pregnant women...the problem is once it goes REALLY BAD...there is little they can do.

[ktstato]

In my wonderfully, semi-educated opinion, the H1N1 vaccine (as well as the Gardisil vaccine) are not as well studied as they should be in order for us to be giving them to children. They have no idea of the long term effects of these vaccines.

My child is fully vaccinated, and I support the use of vaccines, with the eexception of the two above.

[hotcouponmama]

If I had girls, I'd be all over the Gardisil vaccine myself. I'd rather have the risk from the vaccine vs. cervical cancer for my kid. But glad I have boys so that's not an issue.

The H1N1 virus is predicted to be even stronger this winter than they first thought. I am not a flu vac person myself, but DH needs every vaccine known to man since he is spleenless (and has a few other missing organs). Not sure if the army is going to be dosing them for that. I'm just not sure about the rush to market on the vaccine - however, I do trust our pediatrician - so I'll be asking her when the kids go in for checkups if she thinks they need them.

[wildnutcase]

I don't trust it either. My DH has heard that it has Mercury in it. I would like to know where it is being manufactured----If it is in China....NO THANKS..........I don't need high amounts of lead in my body. I only have one kidney (thanx to the Big C) and the one I have left has problems that the doctors aren't sure about the best way to deal with; so I will probably not get it----I would rather be confined to my home that worry about the possible risk(s) to my kidney.

[thecooperhouse]

H1N1 vaccine is similar to all other flu vaccines. No mercury in it. It is grown in eggs in the US.

[dliver316]

Originally Posted by thecooperhouse H1N1 vaccine is similar to all other flu vaccines. No mercury in it. It is grown in eggs in the US.

Flu vaccines in multi dose vials still have mercury (thimerosal) in them. The following is info from the CDC website about the H1N1 vaccine.


Q. Will vaccine be in multi-dose vials?
A. The majority of vaccine will be in multi-dose vials, the remainder in single dose syringes or nasal sprayers. The aim is to have enough vaccine in single dose syringes (i.e. preservative free) for young children and pregnant women.

How much Thimerosal-free vaccine will be available?
A. It is anticipated that enough thimerosal-free vaccine in pre-loaded syringes will be available for young children and pregnant women.