swine flu

Joy - posted on 12/15/2009

Hi Jenny, my daughter got the seasonal flu shot but i opted to not give her the swine flu shot due to the fact that it is just too new and not enough is known about it. it is totally up to you if you get her the shot or not, everyone is different.

Noa - posted on 12/15/2009

This is MY opinion about the swine flu vaccine.

I have bad chronicle problems and i'm a higher risk and i refused to get the swine flue shot 4 my son and i.
We arn't labaratory animals that they can test on!!
Especialy when people are panicking they make mistakes.
That's the time to stay focused and make sure you don't make hasty decisions that you will regret but make the right one for yourself.
Before someone jabs a needle into our arm i would like to know more about it. So i did my own research. I read and listen to a lot of scientist, viroloog, professors, infectious disease experts, neurologists all over the world.
They all say the same thing , do not take the jab cos the risk of having side affect is higher then that you will get the swine flue. And no...u wont notice it straight away it takes time.
The goverment is claiming that they don't know what the side affects will be in a long run. But i know the last time the goverment panicked in 1976 with the swine flue and gave people the shot, people suffered (DBS) neurological damage thats what happend!!!
And the vaccine they want to give us is nearly the same as they had back then.
Even the people who made the vaccine are telling there family and friends not to take it
And because the thimerosal in the vaccine CAN cause autisme if you don't know if your child has Mitochondrial dysfunction.

At the end of the day the swine flue will go but the vaccine will stay forever into your
body!!

It's all about making a choice and decisions not for someone else but what you know and feel it will be the best for your child.

Melissa - posted on 12/14/2009

Both of my children got the shot. My 2 year old has asthma,as do I, and I really don't want to go to the hospital.

Gina - posted on 12/13/2009

The mercury problem is ancient history. Some vaccines used to contain mercury years ago, but that was removed a long time ago.

Gina - posted on 12/13/2009

Could not get it. There was too much demand and people with health problems have priority. They ran out before I had a chance to even try. The wait was also over four hours to get it.

Brianne - posted on 12/10/2009

Quoting Julie:

Quoting Brianne:

We chose not to get our daughter the H1N1 vaccine...I did a lot of research into it...and listened to countless doctors who said they would not give it to their children...the main reason being that because it was rushed to market so quickly they used large quantities of potentially dangerous ingredients ....things that they have not used in vaccines for years because they have found safer things to use....but using those safer ingredients takes more time....so they opted for quantity and quickness rather then time and quality...one of those ingredients being large amounts of mercury.... But bottom line was I just didn't feel good about getting it so we didn't....I'm trusting God to take care of my family.....
Blessings

Large amounts of mercury? Really? Hmmm. I can't find anything that states that there is large amounts of mercury in the vaccines. Can you please clarify or provide your source of your research? I'm confused by your statements and I've looked into this a bit, so maybe there are other moms reading the board who haven't been researching this and may have been hesitant to ask about the "large amounts of mercury".

 

TIA.

http://organizedwisdom.com/Swine_Flu_Vac...

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBl...

http://remixxworld.blogspot.com/2009/09/...

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBl...

http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/foodcon/me...

http://organichealthadviser.com/archives...

http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/153...

"Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine, a sterile suspension for intramuscular injection, is supplied in two presentations:
• 0.5 mL preservative-free, single-dose, pre-filled syringe.
• 5 mL multi-dose vial containing ten doses. Thimerosal, a mercury derivative, is added as a preservative; each 0.5 mL dose contains 24.5 micrograms (mcg) of mercury."

MERCURY VACCINE - 2mcgEPA says that safety limits are .1mcg per kg of weight per day, which makes this vaccine safe for anyone who weights 550 lbs!

Here are just a few things I was able to find. I have in fact spent many hours researching and praying about what we should do with our children as far as vaccines go.... In no way was I attempting to tell anyone what they should do...that is their decision... I may state my opinion and try to share my findings but ultimately that is their decision and I will respect it wether I agree with it or not.

As far as the mercury goes. The EPA, and FDA States that the "safe" amount of mercury for an ADULT to consume is 0.002 milligrams. The amount contained in the multidose h1n1 vaccine is 25 micro grams which works out to be 0.025 milligrams 25 TIMES greater than the amount considered "safe"

Also the fact that I cannot find a complete verfied list of ingredients concerns me...why if it is so safe and there is nothing in it to be worried about will nobody publish an ingredient list...just curious.

That along with the warning contained within the vaccine pamphlets themselves were enough for me to say no to giving it to my baby. That is MY opinion... may everyone feel free to make their own decisions.

 But please refrain from making people feel bad for those decisions regardless of wether you agree with them or not. The decision to vaccinate or not does not make someone a BAD parent.....

Blessings

Jessica - posted on 12/10/2009

My son got the flu before i could get him in to get the shot :(

Heather - posted on 11/30/2009

Julie, my son has not had the flu yet, he had whooping cough at 2 months old and is just now (7 months) getting better, however I am a pediatric nurse, and I know the devastation this flu can cause. I hope your little ones feel better real soon! Give them lots of hugs and kisses,and pedialyte :)

Michelle - posted on 11/30/2009

I wish we'd had the opportunity. Our pediatrician still doesn't have it in and many of the doctors in the same medical group are saying they just won't be offering it because it's easier to say that than to deal with all the calls from parents wondering when it will ever come in.

Julie - posted on 11/30/2009

Heather, I hope everyone recovers speedily. Is it your little one who has it?

My DD 3 YO had a fever Saturday and this morning my DD 7months woke up with a fever and lots of loose stools and has vomited a bit. I'm hoping she recovers with lots of rest and mommy love, as fast as my 3 year old did.

Heather - posted on 11/29/2009

Julie, THANK YOU for being a responsible poster, and including references and links with your statements. There are way too many people posting paranoid nonsense, with nothing to back up their claims. God forbid a mother refuses vaccination due to these posts on here. I have been trying to post only facts that I get from reliable sites (CDC and FDA) in an attempt to not mislead anyone. There is so much confusion without people making non fact based comments as if they were true! I'm so sorry you had to lose a friend to this terrible flu. We, unfortunately, have witnessed the horrible complications of this flu first hand, maybe when H1N1 starts to effect family and friends, people will take it seriously.

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

Quoting Jessica:

 We have done all the research and we are not comfortable putting any vaccine into our little boys body that wasn't safety tested.  Also I'm not sure where you are getting your info, but I watched a show on the shot and they warned pregnant women that it can lead to an autistic baby.  The Doctor on the show also said that the virus CANNOT be passed from the mom to the unborn baby.  Even if you do vaccinate your child from H1N1 they can still catch H1N1 and spread it to others.  The shot only makes the disease less severe, it doesn't prevent you from getting or carrying the disease. 

I added the underline.  If I could avoid my child getting severe respiratory distress (see previous posting on how people are getting a viral pneumonia and dying), that would be a good reason to immunize.

Your TV show cracks me up that it says the vaccine can lead to an autistic baby. Was Jenny McCarthy the host/journalist? LOL.

The shot was safety tested by Children's Mercy Hospital in KCMO, as one place that participated in the trial. It may not have been tested with 10 years of background, but it was tested. The seasonal flu vaccine has a history, though, and this is the same vaccine only they insert H1N1 instead of seasonal flu XYZ into the manufacturing process. I'm not saying it's completely safe, as that's unknown, but I didn't want Jessica to believe that it had not undergone testing, as she states.

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

Quoting Brianne:

We chose not to get our daughter the H1N1 vaccine...I did a lot of research into it...and listened to countless doctors who said they would not give it to their children...the main reason being that because it was rushed to market so quickly they used large quantities of potentially dangerous ingredients ....things that they have not used in vaccines for years because they have found safer things to use....but using those safer ingredients takes more time....so they opted for quantity and quickness rather then time and quality...one of those ingredients being large amounts of mercury.... But bottom line was I just didn't feel good about getting it so we didn't....I'm trusting God to take care of my family.....
Blessings

Large amounts of mercury? Really? Hmmm. I can't find anything that states that there is large amounts of mercury in the vaccines. Can you please clarify or provide your source of your research? I'm confused by your statements and I've looked into this a bit, so maybe there are other moms reading the board who haven't been researching this and may have been hesitant to ask about the "large amounts of mercury".

TIA.

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

Quoting Angela:

One more thing to point out is the fact that, while there have been deaths linked to H1N1, it hasn't proven to be particularly more virulent than the seasonal flu...which in this area has claimed more lives than H1N1.

This is not accurate on a nationwide basis, according to the CDC.

"This new strain differs from regular winter flu because it strikes the young far more than the old,

...Eighty-six children have died of swine flu in the U.S. since last spring  — 43 of those deaths reported in September and early October alone, said Schuchat.

That's a startling number because in some past winters, the CDC has counted 40 or 50 child deaths for the entire flu season, she said, and no one knows how long this swine flu outbreak will last.

Also in contrast to regular winter flu, swine flu can cause a severe viral pneumonia in otherwise healthy young adults Typically, influenza weakens people so they're vulnerable to bacterial pneumonia, especially those over age 65. But the new H1N1 can dive deeper into the lungs, in "small subsets" of patients who go into respiratory failure within days, said WHO medical officer Dr. Nikki Shindo.

source: http://www.courant.com/health/swine-flu/...,0,2950755.story

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

The CDC says about half of the child deaths since September have been among teenagers."

"This new strain differs from regular winter flu because it strikes the young far more than the old, and child deaths are drawing particular attention. Eighty-six children have died of swine flu in the U.S. since last spring — 43 of those deaths reported in September and early October alone, said Schuchat.

That's a startling number because in some past winters, the CDC has counted 40 or 50 child deaths for the entire flu season, she said, and no one knows how long this swine flu outbreak will last. Also in contrast to regular winter flu, swine flu can cause a severe viral pneumonia in otherwise healthy young adults, the World Health Organization warned.

Source:http://www.courant.com/health/swine-flu/...,0,2950755.story

My friend caught this severe viral pneumonia mentioned and she died.

**Commentary** I'm all about everyone getting to make their own decision, but I want it to be an INFORMED decision and don't rely on message boards as your source of info. I'm on a lot of message boards and none of them have equally educated "professionals" of all members. And none of them are filled with only experts on the topic discussed. So, as long as this isn't an H1N1 professionals message board, we can conduct ourselves as if we are at different levels of being informed. That's a fair game. Don't get upset if someone tries to educate or inform--as long as the information they provide is fact-based or disclaimed with an IMO (in my opinion).

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

sorry about the formatting below. I'll see if I can fix it--but gotta go feed the baby first.

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

Quoting Michelle:

 Also if you truly research the H1N1 the only people who have been deathly ill are those who already had underlying chronic conditions....all three of my older children got the flu and my infant did not so for now I am sticking with not shots why put more diseases in our body then we need

Just want to clear up this statement so that people are not misled. It is not an accurate statement to say that only people with underlying chronic conditions are the only ones that get deathly ill. I lost an otherwise healthy friend, 50-years old with two children, to H1N1 flu complications. She was in the hospital for 7 days and they still couldn't save her.

Here's some key points about who is at risk from the research I have done, including the CDC site.

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

Quoting Barbara :

I did not get my daughter the swine flu shot, because it has mercury in it. I did alot of research on it and did not feel comfortable. But I did get her the regular flu shot, and the RSV shot....

The multiple dose vials have Thermosal in it. The individual shots do not. You can ask your provider for a Thermosal-free shot (some people are allergic to it, so most places have both kinds).

From the FDA website (http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccine... )

Thimerosal has been removed from or reduced to trace amounts in all vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine (see Table 1). A preservative-free version of the inactivated influenza vaccine (contains trace amounts of thimerosal) is available in limited supply at this time for use in infants, children and pregnant women. Some vaccines such as Td, which is indicated for older children (≥ 7 years of age) and adults, are also now available in formulations that are free of thimerosal or contain only trace amounts. Vaccines with trace amounts of thimerosal contain 1 microgram or less of mercury per dose.

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

Please make an informed decision about vaccination> We may not have complete data on the vaccine (it was tested here in Kansas City at Children's Mercy Hospital),but we have plenty of data about the risks of H1N1:

"Pregnant women (and also very young children under the age of 5) are at increased risk of complications from getting infected with swine flu, as judged from previous epidemics." http://www.beautedemaman.com/2009/05/the...

"The Spanish Flu Pandemic is probably the deadliest influenza pandemic in history. It started in 1918 and eventually came to an end in 1920. It is estimated to have killed between 50 and 100 million people worldwide. Significantly, this pandemic was caused by the same virus strain (H1N1) causing the current swine flu." http://www.pregnancy-bliss.co.uk/h1n1.ht...

Julie - posted on 11/29/2009

Yes, I got both my 7 mo. old and the 3 year old the first of 2 rounds of vaccination for H1N1. If the vaccine is available at the 30-day mark for the second immunization, I'll do it. We had no reactions/side effects.

Amanda - posted on 11/28/2009

YIKES! this is scary, but i'm just going to throw in my 2 cents here. nobody attack me please :).....I am getting the H1N1 shot on Monday, as well getting the 2nd shot for my just about 7 month old. My husband, parents & families are getting it as well. I think the side effects of the shot are something like 1 in a million (unless you're allergic to eggs) and I think the chance of you getting the H1N1 flu is very very likely (something like 1 in 5 i've heard), yes I do believe if you have underlying health conditions, it can be alot worse, but how many of us know if our babies don't have one??? (not that i'm wishing anybody's baby to not be healthy). But I really don't know about some of the comments on here. First of all, the H1N1 flu doesn't just target 20-50 year olds...i've seen children dying on the news (13, 14 year olds, who were healthy,active kids), and second of all, people are so concerned about the mecury in the vaccine, but there's more mecury in a can of tuna than what's in the shot. I do not work in the healthcare field, but I've done my share of reading and talking to my doctor. I think that yes, we do not know the long term effects of this H1N1 shot, but they made it the same way that they do the regular flu shot. I think that the media has blown this vaccine out of porportion. I'm personally more scared of the H1N1 virus becoming a pandemic outbreak and don't want to be a part of that.

TO EACH THEIR OWN. It totally is YOUR decision.

Heather - posted on 11/27/2009

Quoting Jessica:

I can see where you are coming from, but you can't push vaccines on people who don't want them.  Everyone should have a right to decide for themselves and their babies.  My husband and I are very much against getting the H1N1 for our 7 month old son and don't need anyone trying to push it on us!  We have done all the research and we are not comfortable putting any vaccine into our little boys body that wasn't safety tested.  Also I'm not sure where you are getting your info, but I watched a show on the shot and they warned pregnant women that it can lead to an autistic baby.  The Doctor on the show also said that the virus CANNOT be passed from the mom to the unborn baby.  Even if you do vaccinate your child from H1N1 they can still catch H1N1 and spread it to others.  The shot only makes the disease less severe, it doesn't prevent you from getting or carrying the disease. 

No Jessica, you DON'T see where I am coming from. You dont take care of sick children, as I do. I'm sure you, like most people, have no idea how serious this flu can be, not just in children, but adults, teens, and the elderly. There is a reason that " Healthcare Professionals" are getting their children vaccinated. It is because we see the complications that H1N1 is causing, and do not wish that on our children. If you think that watching some show on T.V. is "research", then i urge you to go to the CDC website http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccine...

Your right, it is your decision not to vaccinate your child/children, and myself and many other frustrated healthcare professionals, will be there to care for them when thet get sick from something that could be prevented, or made less severe by getting the vaccines. One more thing, it may be good for some of you to know that if your child comes down with H1N1, and they are under 1 yr of age, Tamiflu, which is almost always perscribed, has not even been tested for children under 1yr and they need to be closely monitored while taking it. Just one more reason to vaccinate.

Barbara - posted on 11/27/2009

I did not get my daughter the swine flu shot, because it has mercury in it. I did alot of research on it and did not feel comfortable. But I did get her the regular flu shot, and the RSV shot....

Jessica - posted on 11/27/2009

Quoting heather:

i wish my sons pediatrician would get the vaccine so he can get the h1n1...im waiting for mine also, Im a nurse who cares for a baby on a vent, and if my son or myself should get h1n1...we would most likely be ok...but if i were to pass it on to the baby i take care of...it could be fatal to him! i was just speaking with a surgeon who works at a local hospital and performed heart surgery on my grandfather...he told me that h1n1 mostly hits adults (20-50) the hardest...he said he had about 10 people in very bad shape due to h1n1 complications in the hospital at the time and they were ages 20-30! Pregnant women must get the vaccine because they can have severe complications from the flu and can go into preterm labor, get pnumonia, and some have died. In 1976 there was a pandemic swine flu outbreak...and they vaccinated...and the h1n1 vaccine they are giving now is much safer than that one...there was some concern about guillian barre syndrome with this vaccine...which is rare...and you are 10 times more likely to contract guillian barre from the actual flu than the vaccine...do the research! Im sorry if i offend people with what i say...but this is my soapbox...Parents who dont vaccinate...flu or otherwise...help spread disease! My baby contracted pertussis at 2 months old thanks to a parent who didnt vaccinate their child! I wish people would get the fact that vaccines are made to protect not just yourself...but everyone as a whole...thank god they made some vaccines manditory...such as polio and small pox...because if they wouldnt have... there would be alot of sick people still because people are now more afraid of what is in a vaccine...than the actual disease! sorry for the rant! Im very passionate about this due to having a very sick baby who is just now getting better...5 months later! please vaccinate!

I can see where you are coming from, but you can't push vaccines on people who don't want them.  Everyone should have a right to decide for themselves and their babies.  My husband and I are very much against getting the H1N1 for our 7 month old son and don't need anyone trying to push it on us!  We have done all the research and we are not comfortable putting any vaccine into our little boys body that wasn't safety tested.  Also I'm not sure where you are getting your info, but I watched a show on the shot and they warned pregnant women that it can lead to an autistic baby.  The Doctor on the show also said that the virus CANNOT be passed from the mom to the unborn baby.  Even if you do vaccinate your child from H1N1 they can still catch H1N1 and spread it to others.  The shot only makes the disease less severe, it doesn't prevent you from getting or carrying the disease. 

Ali Marie - posted on 11/27/2009

Interesting how everyone who works in the health care industry got it for their kids

Lisa - posted on 11/27/2009

Heather I want to give you a thumbs up for your postings! As a healthcare professional you DO see what this crap can do to people of any age. And to all of you out there that are irate over what she has said, I'm sorry, but she IS allowed to have her opinion as you are allowed to have yours. And to attack somebody about spelling and grammatical errors is a little ridiculous. Not everybody in this world is a fantastic speller or a grammatical genius but are good at other things. I thought this site was for people to be able to express their feelings and opinions, not get attacked.

Again, Heather, Kudos to you!! Being a healthcare professional myself, I agree with you WHOLEHEARTEDLY!!!! Take care!

Lisa - posted on 11/27/2009

All of my daughters, including my 7 month old, had the H1N1 vaccine and were completely fine! Our local health departments were giving them out so that is where we got them.

I know it is everybody's opinion on whether they want to get it for their children, but I am a respiratory therapist and I know what horrible things can happen with this illness. I would not be able to live with myself if I chose not to give the vaccine to my kids and then one of them got it and god forbid, perished from it. It is WELL WORTH IT!!

Jayme - posted on 11/26/2009

I got the seasonal but not the H1N1. Consulted with her doctor at her booster appointment. After discussing the issue of mercury in the vaccine we decided that it wasn't necessary at this time.

Danielle - posted on 11/24/2009

Only my 3 kids (6month, 3 and 5 years old). Not for myself, because i am healthy. Maybe i'll change my mind later.

Ali Marie - posted on 11/24/2009

Well you all are right, the long-term side effects of the vaccine are still not clear. It sounds to me though that most of you have been fortunate to have not seen an infant with the H1N1 flu. Its very very scary.

Heather - posted on 11/24/2009

Quoting Stephanie:

I agree with all of your comments Amanda. Ms. Barnett, I think we all know the flu shot is not an antibiotic and I think most of us are educated professionals who understand what a vaccine is for. Please don't patronize.

Ms. St. John, as a nurse, I deal with people who are medically misinformed, on a daily basis. I never ASSUME that people understand ANYTHING. You would not believe some of the crazy things that people believe. I was also unaware that most of the people posting are "educated professionals". I will keep that in mind for future posts!

Heather - posted on 11/24/2009

Quoting Amanda:

Quoting heather:

the flu shot is not an antibiotic...the vaccine dosent "fight illness and infection" it simply helps your immune system to fight it more effectively on its own...thats what vaccines do. antibiotics and antivirals "fight" infection and viruses.

Let me see if I've got this straight..... you are telling me that the immune system does not fight against illness and infections? So, basically our immune systems are totally worthless and we should rely 100% on vaccines and drugs? So, those studies that are showing adverse reactions caused by vaccines are just made up, right? Many women really haven't miscarried very shortly after receiving the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine? Is that what you're saying? I'm just curious.

Oh, yeah, and that superflu I keep hearing about in the Ukraine that keep killing people because *gasp* they have had the flu vax thereby not enabling their immune systems to learn to fight it which in turn kills them? That must be made up, too.

Amanda, I thought you were saying that you did not want the vaccine to fight the illness, you would rather your immune system fight it, because that is what it's supposed to do. That is why I made the above statement. I'm sorry if I misunderstood you. I, for one, think that the immune system is absolutely NOT worthless, but I do think that it is not equipped to take on some of these genetically mutated  flu viruses (swine flu, avian flu), thus the need for vaccines. Once again, this is my opinion, and I have the right to express it,  just like you do.

As far as my feelings about the adverse reactions of vaccines (I'm assuming that you mean ALL vaccines) I think you need to weigh the benefit against the risk.  In my opinion, the benefit of vaccines far outweigh any potential risk. You can find studies to prove or disprove any subject under the sun. It's ultimately up to you to decide what you want to believe.

Sadly, many women miscarry, with or without getting the H1N1 vaccine. As many as 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage (according to the march of dimes)  These woman who have reported a miscarriage shortly after receiving the H1N1 vaccine, probably would have miscarried even if they didn't get the vaccine. The reason it is so important for pregnant women to get both(seasonal and H1N1) flu vaccines, is because of the changes your immune system goes through while your pregnant. It is not as responsive as it was before pregnancy because you are carrying something (your baby) that your body considers foreign. To keep your body from rejecting the baby, your immune system naturally lowers its ability to respond and defend. This is why pregnant women have severe complications from the H1N1 flu. The other benefit of getting vaccinated while you are pregnant, is that you pass your immunity to your baby, so he/she is less likely to get the flu for the first few months of life.

Heather - posted on 11/23/2009

Quoting Stephanie:

I do vaccinate Ms. Barnett, so be careful with assumptions. The H1N1 vaccine is the only vaccine I have chosen to not use on my baby due to my comments above. I have done the research and talked to many doctors, scientists, and researchers. You can not predict the outcome this NEW vaccine will have on our bodies, so why would you risk that on a tiny baby? That being said, it is a tough choice and I don't judge others who decide to get the vaccine for their infants. There is a risk either way and you must do what is comfortable for you.

We all are passionate about this topic as we want to protect our loved ones, so throwing out accusations that we are SPREADING the disease is quite unfair and very judgmental. That would be like me commenting on your spelling and grammatical errors that take away any credibility you might have in your argument.

Ms. St John, I am very happy to hear that you vaccinate your child. I was not personally attacking you in my earlier post, I was simply stating my opinions on vaccination and the H1N1 vaccine. You stated your opinions, several times, in previous posts. I have my own opinion, which differs from yours, so you attack my grammar, spelling, and credibility ( i hate typing, I type slow enough without worrying about spelling and grammar)  And your right, it was unfair to include the flu vaccine in that statement, because the flu vaccines do not stop the spread of the flu. However, I feel that parents who refuse regular, scheduled, childhood vaccines DO help spread diseases. There are many parents who refuse not only the flu vaccines, but any vaccine, due to fear (ie: autism). I'm glad your not one of them. Now, can we just agree to disagree?

Stephanie - posted on 11/23/2009

I agree with all of your comments Amanda. Ms. Barnett, I think we all know the flu shot is not an antibiotic and I think most of us are educated professionals who understand what a vaccine is for. Please don't patronize.

Amanda - posted on 11/23/2009

Quoting heather:

the flu shot is not an antibiotic...the vaccine dosent "fight illness and infection" it simply helps your immune system to fight it more effectively on its own...thats what vaccines do. antibiotics and antivirals "fight" infection and viruses.

Let me see if I've got this straight..... you are telling me that the immune system does not fight against illness and infections? So, basically our immune systems are totally worthless and we should rely 100% on vaccines and drugs? So, those studies that are showing adverse reactions caused by vaccines are just made up, right? Many women really haven't miscarried very shortly after receiving the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine? Is that what you're saying? I'm just curious.

Heather - posted on 11/23/2009

the flu shot is not an antibiotic...the vaccine dosent "fight illness and infection" it simply helps your immune system to fight it more effectively on its own...thats what vaccines do. antibiotics and antivirals "fight" infection and viruses.

Stephanie - posted on 11/23/2009

I do vaccinate Ms. Barnett, so be careful with assumptions. The H1N1 vaccine is the only vaccine I have chosen to not use on my baby due to my comments above. I have done the research and talked to many doctors, scientists, and researchers. You can not predict the outcome this NEW vaccine will have on our bodies, so why would you risk that on a tiny baby? That being said, it is a tough choice and I don't judge others who decide to get the vaccine for their infants. There is a risk either way and you must do what is comfortable for you.

We all are passionate about this topic as we want to protect our loved ones, so throwing out accusations that we are SPREADING the disease is quite unfair and very judgmental. That would be like me commenting on your spelling and grammatical errors that take away any credibility you might have in your argument.

Amanda - posted on 11/23/2009

We didn't. I keep hearing a lot of medical professionals say that they would not have their families get it. I also have heard that it doesn't really do anything for babies under the age of 2 so it seems kind of a moot point. Plus, we didn't really buy into all the hype that the media has been airing. We also have a history of reactions to flu vaccines in my family. And we prefer to let the body's immune system actually do what it was meant to do, which is fight illness and infection.

Michelle - posted on 11/22/2009

I didn't get either of my kids done but I don't get my son the normal flu shot either....the main reason for not getting my infant done is that we don't know yet if she is allergic to eggs or chicken and both shots are made with those ingredients. Also if you truly research the H1N1 the only people who have been deathly ill are those who already had underlying chronic conditions....all three of my older children got the flu and my infant did not so for now I am sticking with not shots why put more diseases in our body then we need

Michelle - posted on 11/22/2009

no i haven't there is not enough knowin about it and the side effects. The gov just try to push things out to quick.

Stephanie - posted on 11/19/2009

We haven't had enough time to see what side effects will come from this vaccine. The adjuvant is new and we only just vaccinated people this past summer and fall. How can we measure how much our dendrites will degenerate in our brains from the mercury in the vaccine??? Sure, you don't visibly see any side effects because we can't see inside our brains. We also can't predict what long term effects this vaccine will have on people, children, babies etc. because it is too new. Not even doctors or scientists have that ability, and that is my concern. My husband and I took the risk on ourselves, but I won't do that to my little baby.

It's sort of like the current research that's coming out about cell phones and the link to brain cancer. Sure, no side effects when people first started using them. But after 10-15 years, we are now realizing that cell phones actually cause brain tumours. The Netherlands have significant links to brain cancer because they started using cell phones much earlier then North America. We don't have the stats here because it's only been 10 years. But in the Netherlands, the number of people with brain tumours who have used cell phones over a long period of time is scary. So, are you still so sure about no side effects with this vaccine?

Ali Marie - posted on 11/19/2009

Well I work at a doctors office and I have seen HUNDREDS of women and children get vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine with absolutely no side effects whatsoever. I have however seen a few mothers who chose not to vaccinate their children and they got extremely extremely ill, to the point where they did end up getting vaccinated just to make their baby or themselves feel better.



I honestly wasn't going to vaccinate my daughter at first because she mostly stays at home or goes to friends houses. But when we decided to take a looong airplane trip (Hawaii to Chicago) we decided it would be best to get it for health's sake

Angela - posted on 11/19/2009

I'm with you. I have no idea why the media has latched onto this any moreso than any other disease out there. Where I live, more children have died from seasonal flu than H1N1, and WAY more have died in car crashes, but no one is screaming THAT on every headline...because it happens every year, not just this one. The media is making it sound like "if you don't get the vaccine, you and your baby WILL DIE!!" Um, not so. One local news station actually showed a story last week in which a nurse contracted H1N1 and passed away, and the last thing she said to her daughters was that they needed to get the vaccine as soon as it was available. It caused a panic around here, even though two of my coworkers had it at the time, and came back to work a couple days later none the worse for wear. So, it's a personal decision. Certainly, if there are any underlying medical problems that would possibly cause harm if your baby contracted H1N1, I'd suggest getting one. If not, however, you'll have to just weigh the risks and do what you think is right.

Stephanie - posted on 11/19/2009

The H1N1 vaccine has been available in Canada for over a month now. I did not get my 7 month old vaccinated as I don't feel I have the right to put something so new and foreign into her little body before more research is done as to the side effects of the adjuvants. How can a little tiny baby be getting the same dosage as a bigger child? What about the effects on mercury on dendrites???? I know many doctors who have quietly admitted to not wanting to give their own children this vaccine.

So, my husband and I decided to get vaccinated ourselves. I am breast feeding but have been told that none of the vaccine will transfer into the milk. I'm keeping my daughter out of large crowds like the grocery store and the Santa picture line ups to protect her as much as I can. However, we have baby activities/groups and we aren't going to stop socializing. There is so much fear mongering in the media that statistics are all not what they seem. Most people going to the hospital with symptoms have the regular flu and aren't told if it is or isn't H1N1, so the newspapers report on the number of individuals going to the hospital but never know how many actually have the virus.

There is no right or wrong choice here as there is a risk either way. Don't let your family or friends push you to make what they believe is the right decision. Do what you feel comfortable with.

Angela - posted on 11/18/2009

One more thing to point out is the fact that, while there have been deaths linked to H1N1, it hasn't proven to be particularly more virulent than the seasonal flu...which in this area has claimed more lives than H1N1.

Angela - posted on 11/18/2009

Honestly, I don't worry about the side effects too much, since it was produced in the same way that the seasonal flu vaccine is produced...same methods, same preservatives. I've studied enough medicine to know that the risk to my son is relatively minute. Still, he hasn't gotten either vaccine (seasonal or H1N1). I've never had the seasonal vaccine, and I've never had the seasonal flu. I know that there have been deaths linked to H1N1, but almost all of those had underlying medical issues. Most people who get it spend a couple of days in bed, and they're fine. I know plenty of people who've had it. It wasn't a PLEASANT experience or anything, but it wasn't a whole lot worse than a simple cold, either. Also, my pediatrician didn't offer the seasonal flu vaccine when we were there the last few times, and the only way to get the H1N1 vaccine in Louisville is to go to a government center and wait in an incredibly long line. My son would probably get sick just waiting in the line - I'm fine leaving him at home with my parents and no vaccine. Just me. :-P

Mary Lynn - posted on 11/17/2009

my son has gotten his seasonal and h1n1 vaccines and no side affects from either. We still need to get the second dose of both coming up in a week or two.

Jody - posted on 11/16/2009

I havent yet...actually I didnt even know that there was a shot for it already.

Kirsty - posted on 11/16/2009

My little one got swine flu mid October and it was awful. I wish that i had been given the opportunity to get him the vac before this happens. I do not reccomend giving your child the liquid tamiflu, if they get it, as the side affects are not very nice.

Kelly - posted on 11/14/2009

I decided NOT to get my son the H1N1 shot. I don't feel comfortable with it since it is new and there isn't enough known about it's side effects in the long run.