Is anyone considering getting their babies the swine flu shot?

Alea - posted on 10/27/2009

I talked to my dad again about the vaccine. He is developes and makes new drugs. Now he will not tell me what to do. I also spoke to a nurse who said he had Gullian-Barre before the drs. knew what he had. I think she said 700 kids have died so far. She has heard that is will come in 3 outbreaks and now they are expecting it to last 6 months. So, I do not know what to do. For now I am going to stay away from large gatherings the best I can...limite church and no kids to grocery store (I am going to start stocking what I can so I don't have to go oftern). Continue to wash hands, gargle, clean and rinse noses. Vitamins and healthy eating. But, I have seen what my dad has gone through with gullian-barre, so please know what to look for if you do get the vaccine. I have one in kindergarten and one home with me. I wish I could home school him until this is over...I think it is our biggest threat.

Alea - posted on 10/27/2009

The goverment is running scared because of the 1918 or 1917 outbreak. The same people r making the H1N1 as the regular flu. However, there is some speculation that it is not made the same. It has been said that they have diluted it and add a booster that is not entirely safe. If I were going to get it I would ask the dr. about Gullian-Barrie (spelling?) and know the warning signs and how do you look for those warning signs in small children.

Kristine - posted on 10/27/2009

Quoting Jenifer:

We'll be getting it if it is available to us. If you're comfortable with the seasonal flu vaccine, I'm not really sure why you'd have a problem with the H1N1 vaccine. They're made and tested the same way. Every year the seasonal flu vaccine is updated with new antigens to match the current flus circulating - that's how the H1N1 vaccine was made, too. Same other ingredients, different antigen. We've already all gotten the seasonal flu vaccine, but no sign of the H1N1 shot being available in my area.

Oh, and I thought I'd note that the H1N1 vaccine doesn't contain aluminum, at least not in the US. We don't use adjuvants (like aluminum salts) in flu vaccines. Though even if it did contain adjuvants, that wouldn't be a deal breaker for me anyway - they use aluminum in flu vaccines in Europe with no problem.

I agree!

I talked with my pediatrician about my concerns and when I had more information I felt a lot better!  The H1N1 Vaccine is far from being experimental! Talk to your doctor, wash your hands and PLEASE keep your kids at HOME if your family has a sick member.

We got our flu shots, made the appt for the 2nd dose for Jr. and because of our very good health history we are not in a rush to get H1N1 until after it is readily available for the general public.

Crystal - posted on 10/27/2009

my hubby & i are getting it...and I fully agree with one previous comment about drs. not wanting ppl to get sick & die. Doctors here in Canada don't gain anything by having alot of ppl sick. Previously only young adults were the ones who died of this, but they had underlying medical conditions. In Toronto a healthy 13 year old boy died just two days ago. And that was after he was apparently recovering. Now its seems like the obvious thing to do. It IS a flu vaccine thats made just like all other flu shots with the exception that is made with the swine flu strain. I think our baby who is going to b 6m. in Nov. will b getting it, but I don't like him getting needles(it messes up his sleep routine for weeks) so we'll c about the nasal one. Good luck its such a hard decision.

Alea - posted on 10/26/2009

I know people who research and make meds. and have made medicines many of you take or know. They all say for me not to get family the vaccine. According to them it has not been researched enough. Go back and look at the 19...whatever outbreak. There are side effects to this drug and one is Gullian-barrie (not sure of spelling). They all say hand washing, blow your nose good, rinse nose with saline solution , and gargle. I am a stay at home mom. So my baby has limited outings now...no church nursery at all and no trips to grocery store especially. I do have one in private school and wish I could keep him home. Someone said Dr. Oz was getting the vaccine because he had to, but his family is not getting it.

Kristin - posted on 10/26/2009

I won't do it. Any vaccine I give my child I want to be around for awhile, but that's just me.

Leah - posted on 10/26/2009

yeah me neither! Havent heard anything about dying from the vaccine.

Leah - posted on 10/26/2009

I think everyone is overly paranoid with fear of the shot. We have all been vaccinated for years for other things. They make the seasonal flu shot new every year, so H1N1 is not that different. The only concern is Mercury not aluminum and it contains very little amount. About the same or less than eating fish. I personally am getting the shot as well as my husband. My son is only 5 months, but will be getting his own as soon as he is ready. I think you should trust your pediatrician! They go to school to be doctors for a reason and they believe that being protected far outways any possible side effects. The health care community vaccinates themselves and there family so why wouldnt you. People who dont take precautions only make it harder for every one to stay well. Its not like the government is out to make us all sick. They are trying to protect the whole population from something that we have never been exposed to and have absolutely no immunity. Yes its true that the symptoms are more dangerous if you have other health issues, but why put your child through sickness at all if you can prevent it.

Julie - posted on 10/26/2009

Best to talk to your health care provider. There are live and dead vaccines available. The seasonal won't protect her against the seasonal 'Flu and vice versa as they are for different viruses. I will be getting my son (and myself) both the H1N1 and seasonal shots (he's 18 months old). If you are in Canada the Public Health Agency of Canada website is good, or the CDC website.

Stephenie - posted on 10/26/2009

the swine flu seems to be progressing through this side of the country. i have not givin birth yet i am due on nov. 15th and because babies ammune systems are not as strong as adults i am seriously looking into the swine flue shot. my husband is not as woried as i am, but he also agrees we should have her get it because of what i said about babies not being able to fight off viruses because they havent been exposed to them.

Fabienne - posted on 10/26/2009

Quoting Julia:

Hello...I dont believe its safe...we have no proper information on it.. im 32 weeks preggo and i shall not have me vaccinated...nor my baby or my husband. me and my husband both think its to dangerous....WHAT if you get it done and in a couple years you become hanicap or seriously ill because they didnt know what would happen with the shot? Im to scared.. On the news more kids and adults are dieing from the swine flu shot then the swine flu itself!!...Very scary stuff!!

I haven't heard anything about kids dieing from the shot, can anyone post some links regarding this??

Stacy - posted on 10/26/2009

Quoting J: I agree 100% that is everyone's individual choice whether or not to vaccinate their children. However, remember that it is because of vaccinations that diseases that killed 1000s upon 1000s of children years ago have been irradicated. Unfortunately, the media and celebrities who think they know more than they do have made this such a controversy. The proof is out there...people are just looking in the wrong places and not reading reputatable studies.

Quoting Kelly:

Getting your baby vaccinated is your personal choice. In my opinion, I'd do it. I am getting my daughter vaccinated. Here is what I know... it's the same as the regular flu vaccine, just made with the H1N1 strand insted of the usual flu strand. They have tested this vaccine more than any other becuase they knew that the H1N1 would be wide spread and that many children would be need it. Talk to your doctor and or visit www.flu.gov for more info.

From what I've read...it is NOT the same as the regular flu vaccine.  It has extra adjuncts that make your body react stronger to it.  I would suggest looking at the link I provided earlier to this "conversation".  Just to broaden your knowledge on the issue.  Everyone is free to make their own decisions.  But, I would recommend getting all sides first.  Sorry...I'm just a strong believer in boosting your own immunity...not relying on government and pharma to control my health.

 

Fabienne - posted on 10/26/2009

Quoting Julia:

Hello...I dont believe its safe...we have no proper information on it.. im 32 weeks preggo and i shall not have me vaccinated...nor my baby or my husband. me and my husband both think its to dangerous....WHAT if you get it done and in a couple years you become hanicap or seriously ill because they didnt know what would happen with the shot? Im to scared.. On the news more kids and adults are dieing from the swine flu shot then the swine flu itself!!...Very scary stuff!!

I haven't heard anything about kids dieing from the shot, can anyone post some links regarding this??

Anna - posted on 10/25/2009

Big No for me! Something is very fishy about this H1N1 vaccine. Why is the Media pushing this on us every single day.

Sylwia - posted on 10/25/2009

Quoting Amanda:

I think something that a lot of people don't know about is the fact that each and every year, the flu vaccine changes. Every single year the flu is a new and different strain, therefore requiring a new and different vaccine. The H1N1 flu is a combination of the "normal" flu, the swine flu, and the bird flu. So yes, it is a mutation, and it probably will continue to mutate, but that is what ALL viruses do. The regular flu does it, H1N1 will do it, the common cold does it. That's why they create vaccines. My son is at high risk for getting H1N1 because of his age and where we live and other factors, so he will be getting the H1N1 vaccine in addition to the "regular" flu shot. My husband and I are also getting vaccinated in order to help his chances of not getting it too. Since he is only 6 months old, he will have to get the first shots, and then a second booster shot, and this is common practice. These things are designed to help protect people, just like seat belts or car seats. Would you put your child in a car without a seat belt or a car seat?
Conversely, my husband has never gotten a flu shot in his life, and he has never gotten the flu.
I would rather be safe than sorry, but it really is up to you. Good luck :)

how do u know that your baby will be ok after the shot?there is no 100% safty with that.itside effects can show ater months,even years.

Sylwia - posted on 10/25/2009

i am against all kind of vaccine!but everybody has a diffrent opinion.

Summer - posted on 10/25/2009

my daughter is only 5 months old, so she is too young.... but I would not do it! I will not do it for me or my husband, it is TOO NEW, as well as the reasearch I have done on it, it as VERY BAD and VERY PERMINATE side effects.I just keep my little one away from big groups of people as much as possilble. Also I EBF so I know she has a very good immune system. but I keep her covered up and dont let people get in her face, also I am a SAHM so she is not exp[osed to others very often...

Cambrey - posted on 10/25/2009

ALL other vaccines had to be tested for minimum of 10 years before being used. This was tested 6 months. I say no. I give my son the regular flu shot because he has been hospitalized every year with the flu when we didn't give it to him. But I will not do the H1N1.

Lisa - posted on 10/24/2009

For me the fact that 100 US children and died from this disease already this year is enough for me to get me and my children vaccinated. The risk of this disease is far more than any side effects!!! I myself recieved the vaccine a little over a week ago and have had not one side effect! Nada, zip, zilch, nothing.

Angela - posted on 10/24/2009

I must admit I am on the fence with this one, my son did get the seasonal flu shot and I am leaning towards getting him the H1N1. I just wanted to add that yes, this is a new strain of flu but the shot they have developed is not new, they only added the new virus to it....children under 2 years old, should not be getting the live nasal spray but the actual shot.... these are just some things I have come upon in my own research. The thought that makes me lean towards getting him the vaccine is that if I didn't and he got it and god forbid died I would never be able to live with myself...at some point we have to trust the CDC and our own doctors! As for his scheduled vaccines I space them out to avoid the high doses of aluminum....

Julia - posted on 10/24/2009

Hello...I dont believe its safe...we have no proper information on it.. im 32 weeks preggo and i shall not have me vaccinated...nor my baby or my husband. me and my husband both think its to dangerous....WHAT if you get it done and in a couple years you become hanicap or seriously ill because they didnt know what would happen with the shot? Im to scared.. On the news more kids and adults are dieing from the swine flu shot then the swine flu itself!!...Very scary stuff!!

Amanda - posted on 10/23/2009

I think something that a lot of people don't know about is the fact that each and every year, the flu vaccine changes. Every single year the flu is a new and different strain, therefore requiring a new and different vaccine. The H1N1 flu is a combination of the "normal" flu, the swine flu, and the bird flu. So yes, it is a mutation, and it probably will continue to mutate, but that is what ALL viruses do. The regular flu does it, H1N1 will do it, the common cold does it. That's why they create vaccines. My son is at high risk for getting H1N1 because of his age and where we live and other factors, so he will be getting the H1N1 vaccine in addition to the "regular" flu shot. My husband and I are also getting vaccinated in order to help his chances of not getting it too. Since he is only 6 months old, he will have to get the first shots, and then a second booster shot, and this is common practice. These things are designed to help protect people, just like seat belts or car seats. Would you put your child in a car without a seat belt or a car seat?
Conversely, my husband has never gotten a flu shot in his life, and he has never gotten the flu.
I would rather be safe than sorry, but it really is up to you. Good luck :)

Teresa - posted on 10/23/2009

No one in my home will be getting any type of flu shot anymore. :)

Michelle - posted on 10/23/2009

We are all getting shots. My oldest 12, second 7 months and me (pregnant). They won't give a baby the shot unless they are over 6 months but it is highly reccomended for people under the age 24, as well as anyone that is around children. Babies are one of the groups that are highest risk. Talk to your pediatrician. They will have all the statistics etc.

Jill - posted on 10/23/2009

I've never gotten the flu shot and noone in my household including my son will be getting either it or the H1N1 shot. Considering none of us have ever gotten the flu and H1N1 hasn't made much of an impact or death rate its not very important to us.

Lacy - posted on 10/23/2009

I have talked to a few docs and my question to the is will you give it to your fam they all said no. So NO my 3 will not be getting the h1n1 vac. hopwe this helps.

Elle - posted on 10/22/2009

Quoting Courtney:

Quoting Elle:

My daughter is only 7 weeks old and too young for either flu shot. But I am getting both myself and bcause she is EBF she will still get the antibodies. I

Just to let you know that it has been proven that antibodies to vaccines DO NOT pass in breastmilk which is why our kids still are supposed to get the MMR and DTaP etc even though we got the vaccine as children and possibly as adults.   That being said no one in our house gets the regular flu vaccine and we will not be getting the swine flu vaccine either and my kids are 2 and 4 years old.

Some antibodies are passed through breastmilk, this is called passive immunity. While the majority of passive immunity happens before the child is born some antibodies are transfered via breastmilk. Passive immunity does not provide full lasting immunity, that is why the child will need to get his/her own vaccinations. As long as the child is breastfeeding some immunity will be passed along.

(Also our bodies don't make antibodies to vaccines, we make antibodies in response to vaccines or illnesses. And it doesn't matter if mom's antibodies were aquired via her having the actual illness or a vaccine, her antibodies are still passed to the child.)

Jennifer - posted on 10/22/2009

My doctor said that since I am nursing I should get the flu and H1N1 vaccine. Mine is 4 months, then she will get the vaccines through my milk. I hope that helps. Just keep nursing!

Alice - posted on 10/22/2009

Wow, what a scary topic with so many strong opinions...I haven't decided yet but am afraid you could definately be sorry regardless of whether or not to vaccinate or not...good luck to everyone.

Jenifer - posted on 10/22/2009

Courtney may have some more detailed information, but here's a good start:
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/vacc...

Sarah - posted on 10/22/2009

Courtney - where did you find the information that vaccine antibodies are not passed through breastmilk?

Regan - posted on 10/22/2009

I would just like to point out that different countries are giving different versions of the H1N1 vac. Different formulas with different ingredients. Also, different countries have different testing and different standards for those tests.



The nasal spray being used in the US contains live, or active bacteria... and as a result holds a larger chance of making the user ill. The H1N1 shot, as it will be given in Canada, does not include live/active bacteria.



As I said, there are a number of factors that a person needs to take into mind. Does your child have asthma is one of them.



This flu is not killing more people, but it is killing a different group of people. The traditional flu usually targets the old and the sick segment of the population... taking advantage of already weakened immune system. The H1N1 is targeting females in their late 20's-early 30's with an avergaged age of 32 as well as young children.

Jenifer - posted on 10/22/2009

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

"8.4. Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric subjects below the age of 6 months have not been established. The immune response and safety of Fluzone vaccine was evaluated in 31 children between the ages of 6-26 months. [See Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Studies (14)]..."

Courtney - posted on 10/22/2009

Quoting Jenifer:

Quoting Courtney:

They may be approved for 6 months and up, but the literature specifically says neither have been tested on pregnant or nursing moms or children under the age of 4 years. How can they approve it if it hasn't been tested? Personally my children get no flu vaccines regular or other and neither do DH and I.

You're looking at the wrong flu vaccine brand. There's only one that is used in children under age 4 (in the US) - its made by Sanofi Pasteur, and there lots of information about how it is tested in the package insert, clinical trial listings, and the medical literature.

Well then give me a link to the literature that says the swine flu vaccine has been tested on children 6 months old?  I understand that there is only one that is used on children under the age of 4 and have read that one.  I am talking about the swine flu vaccine insert saying it HAS NOT been tested on children and pregnant or nursing women.  If you can show me a package insert that tells me it has been then I stand corrected, but the one I saw at my doctor's office the other day specifically said not tested on children under 4 years old.

Courtney - posted on 10/22/2009

Quoting Elle:

My daughter is only 7 weeks old and too young for either flu shot. But I am getting both myself and bcause she is EBF she will still get the antibodies. I

Just to let you know that it has been proven that antibodies to vaccines DO NOT pass in breastmilk which is why our kids still are supposed to get the MMR and DTaP etc even though we got the vaccine as children and possibly as adults.   That being said no one in our house gets the regular flu vaccine and we will not be getting the swine flu vaccine either and my kids are 2 and 4 years old.

Jenifer - posted on 10/22/2009

Quoting Courtney:

They may be approved for 6 months and up, but the literature specifically says neither have been tested on pregnant or nursing moms or children under the age of 4 years. How can they approve it if it hasn't been tested? Personally my children get no flu vaccines regular or other and neither do DH and I.

You're looking at the wrong flu vaccine brand. There's only one that is used in children under age 4 (in the US) - its made by Sanofi Pasteur, and there lots of information about how it is tested in the package insert, clinical trial listings, and the medical literature.

Courtney - posted on 10/22/2009

They may be approved for 6 months and up, but the literature specifically says neither have been tested on pregnant or nursing moms or children under the age of 4 years. How can they approve it if it hasn't been tested? Personally my children get no flu vaccines regular or other and neither do DH and I.

Shaulah - posted on 10/22/2009

i have no idea anymore what to do either,,,,i am completely confused and scared about the whole situation...

Michelle - posted on 10/22/2009

My two year old already got it. My eight month old will be getting it in a few weeks (when the ped gets in the shot form). My nephew got h1n1 and it was more then a little scary. My kids both got the seasonal too. My cousin is a nurse and apparently there have been a lot of cases of young people and young children ending up on ventilators with regular and h1n1 flu. Not taking chances with my kids health on this one. I'm an asthmatic and flu is dangerous for me so we try to keep everyone immunized anyway just because of that.

Ashlee - posted on 10/22/2009

EEEWWW scary! Were going to trust our gov. to tell us what safe for our babies? No way! My children will not be getting either! The H1N1 is not any more dangerous then the reg. flu.

Alta - posted on 10/22/2009

Never. Not for myself or my children.

Desirae - posted on 10/22/2009

I was a little nervous too, only because it's a new vaccine, but after discussing the risks of H1N1 my husband and I decided to get our 3yr old vaccinated. My god daughter (5yrs) has also gotten the vaccination and both girls are doing great!

Giselle Georget - posted on 10/21/2009

my son, husband and I will all be getting the H1N1 vaccine!!! It's not worth the risk to not get it!! even being in Canada, yes there is adjuvants in vaccine here (the one in which requires 2 shots, pregnant women will be given the one without any) but it is Mercury that is the concern, not aluminum. the amount of mercury that is in the shot is less than what you would absorb from a tuna sandwich, therefore there should be no concern!! and yes H1N1 is most likely going to mutate as did most other things we are vaccinated for and are now virtually non existant! so yes, I encourage everyone to get the vaccination, but please check with your doctor before you get the seasonal flu shot as I have heard that it may increase your chances on getting H1N1!!! and to those who choose not to get it, please use extra caution in EVERYTHING you do, I don't even like bringing my little guy to the grocery store, as you never know who coughed on what!!

J - posted on 10/21/2009

Quoting Jenifer:

You can read the ingredients - it is the same as the seasonal flu vaccine. No flu vaccines in the US contain adjuvants. You can compare the ingredients in the product inserts:
H1N1 flu vaccines-
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=2...

Thanks for the link.  I haven't found anything that said anything bad regarding him or his website.  I guess for me...I've gone with what makes sense to me.  I think that is what we all do....and hope for the best.

Jenifer - posted on 10/21/2009

You can read the ingredients - it is the same as the seasonal flu vaccine. No flu vaccines in the US contain adjuvants. You can compare the ingredients in the product inserts:

H1N1 flu vaccines-

http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccine...

Seasonal flu vaccines-

http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccine...



The H1N1 vaccines in Europe, Canada, Australia, and some other places do contain adjuvants - but their seasonal flu vaccines are made that way, too.



And for balance regarding the link you provided, I'd suggest reading some critiques of Mercola as well. This is a fun one:

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=2...

J - posted on 10/21/2009

Quoting Kelly:

Getting your baby vaccinated is your personal choice. In my opinion, I'd do it. I am getting my daughter vaccinated. Here is what I know... it's the same as the regular flu vaccine, just made with the H1N1 strand insted of the usual flu strand. They have tested this vaccine more than any other becuase they knew that the H1N1 would be wide spread and that many children would be need it. Talk to your doctor and or visit www.flu.gov for more info.

From what I've read...it is NOT the same as the regular flu vaccine.  It has extra adjuncts that make your body react stronger to it.  I would suggest looking at the link I provided earlier to this "conversation".  Just to broaden your knowledge on the issue.  Everyone is free to make their own decisions.  But, I would recommend getting all sides first.  Sorry...I'm just a strong believer in boosting your own immunity...not relying on government and pharma to control my health.

Kelly - posted on 10/21/2009

Getting your baby vaccinated is your personal choice. In my opinion, I'd do it. I am getting my daughter vaccinated. Here is what I know... it's the same as the regular flu vaccine, just made with the H1N1 strand insted of the usual flu strand. They have tested this vaccine more than any other becuase they knew that the H1N1 would be wide spread and that many children would be need it. Talk to your doctor and or visit www.flu.gov for more info.

Elle - posted on 10/21/2009

My daughter is only 7 weeks old and too young for either flu shot. But I am getting both myself and bcause she is EBF she will still get the antibodies. If my daughter were older I would probabl get the shot myself, see how it affects me and then in a week or so get her the preservative free version of the shots. H1N1 has broken out pretty bad where I live so I want my child immune but if there had been no confirmed cases I woudn't worry too much. If your child is around alot of other kids that increases the chances of flu (seasonal or H1N1) exposure.



And I would not use the nasal spray, which is the 'live weakened' vaccine. I would only do the preservative free injection, which uses the 'killed' virus. (the preservative free vaccine is usually more expensive)

Lisa - posted on 10/21/2009

I won't be vaccinating my daughter with the H1N1 vaccine as it has not been tested for any great length of time. It is impossible to know the possible long-term effects of a vaccine that is so new. Yes you can test for immediate reactions but what about 1 year/10 years down the line.

This is the difference between the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine. It was thoroughly tested and has been being used for many years now and so quite a lot is known about it's long-term effects.

Also H1N1 is expected to mutate, and therefore the vaccine will not fully protect you anyway should a mutation occur. And the more people that are vaccinated the more likely the virus is to mutate. I think it's better to sit back and let nature take its course where possible.

Of course in individual cases you need to weigh up the pros and the cons. If my daughter suffered from underlying health problems then I would reconsider. Ultimately it's down to an individuals choice. But it is a difficult one to make.

J - posted on 10/21/2009

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articl...

Here is the latest from a site I trust. I personally don't give my children the flu shot and will not do the H1N1 either. You will hear/read some of the reasons from this link. I also have an 8 month old son who has not had any vaccine yet either. Mostly due to the information I read on their website, as well as the other things I read and hear.

If I were you, I wouldn't do either. Most of the people I hear from say it's just a fever and a cough that lasts a good week. Yes not fun...but...then again...not that serious. That's my opinion. Good Luck!