Flu Shot/Swine Flu Shot?

Jennifer - posted on 10/31/2009

Stephanie,



The Asthma and Allergy Network: Mothers of Asthmatics website, aanma.org, has some excellent resources for parents of children with asthma, not just with regards to H1N1. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics website, AAP.org, is an excellent source for H1N1 information and ways to keep your family safe. You should talk with your child's allergist or asthma doctor to find out what they suggest. My older daughter, Anna, is a severe asthmatic. Her asthma doctor has recommended that she get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in this area. Asthmatics, as I'm sure you are aware, are at a significantly greater risk of complications from the virus than the general population. I would discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of the vaccine in relation to the possible problems associated with asthmatics getting H1N1. It's a tough decision, but I think you will probably find that those in the high risk category would benefit greatly from the vaccine because the virus is so hard for asthmatics to handle.

Stephanie - posted on 10/30/2009

I am very confuesed whether or not to get the H1N1 shot for my children. Both my 1 yr and 7 yr old got the regular flu shot because they are both high risk being asthmatics. My daughters School is giving all children the H1N1 by parents approval. I am still unsure whether or not to approve, I kinda feel I may be Damned if I do and Damned if I dont. Any suggestions on sites I can go to and get more information on this vaccine?

Ashley - posted on 10/27/2009

and if you read they tested the h1n1 on 6month old babies? why would test on babies? it is a lab created virus. you don't know side effects and don't know how it will hurt your child in the long run

Melissa - posted on 10/27/2009

Amen, sister!

Fabienne - posted on 10/26/2009

Yes, most likely will vaccinate for H1N1 my whole family (including my 1 year old). I made my decision based on my own research, and speaking to many people about it (including my pediatrician, who IS vaccinating her own children and highly recommends this vaccine for young children). It is true that we don't know what the long term effects could be from receiving the vaccine, but that alone is not a strong enough reason for me not to vaccinate. I am choosing to believe that it is safe. I am also not usually always pro-vaccination, or pro-medication. I weigh the options on each. For example, I chose not to vaccinate against chickenpox. During my pregnancy I didn't take any medications, not even Tums for my heartburn, and I don't use the Pill as a form of contraception.

In the end, whatever your choice is, be strong with it. Don't continue to self doubt. If there is an negative outcome from your decision, don't blame yourself, you made a really difficult choice based on the information that you had at the time.

Kendyl - posted on 10/24/2009

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Amber:

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Amber:

I work in health care, and I will be getting my daughter vaccinated for both types of the flu, since I have a higher chance of getting it and bringing it home to my family. Both are completely safe; everyone I have talked to who has gotten the H1N1 vaccine has had no side effects. So I'm going to vaccinate, since its better to do so than risk my child (who is a preemie and was diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome) to get this nasty bug!

how do u know there wont be long term effects? heck even short term issues after a couple months? YOU DONT

 

 

no, i dont know what the side effects are...but i have a higher chance of brining it home, so why should i risk my child? i would rather vaccinate...its my choice; you have your opinion about whats best for your family, and this is best for mine.

 

i dont care if you get the shot or not that's your business but to post theres no side effects is a LIE... since there isn't enough research to support if there is or not at this point

michelle, if you would get off your horse for a minute and go back and read Ambers post, she said that "everyone I have talked to who has gotten the H1N1 vaccine has had no side effects".  which is an OPINION.  . not a FACT which can not make it a  LIE. . . . . cant you find a different website where your negativity and bitchyness is appreciated??

Jennifer - posted on 10/22/2009

I think you should be aware of the way that the regular flu vaccines are manufactured before making this choice. Regular flu is manufactured differently each year. There is a structural base in place and the strain that is targeted changes each year. When making the H1N1 vaccine the company that makes the vaccine is using the exact same base and only changing the targeted strain. So, if you get the normal flu vaccine, there is no reason not to get the H1N1 vaccine. There are risks associated with all vaccines, but the media has made a big deal of the fact that there is "no research" on this newer vaccine. By that logic, there's "no research" on any of the flu vaccines that come out since they are different each year. There is a population of children that should get the vaccine and those that probably don't need it. But the decision to get it or not should be based in research and your child's medical condition, not in fear techniques. And, Jessica, the reason that babies get two flu shots is because they need a pediatric dose of the shot. So they get one shot and then a "booster" later. It helps their immune systems fight off the disease better.

Sara - posted on 10/22/2009

Quoting Jessica:

Does anyone know why babies have to get two flu shots? He got the first one over a week ago and then told me to reschedule the next shot in a month. Then the receptionist lady said call in 3 weeks we're not sure if we'll have enough. I'm just kinda confused. Is he partial immune?

He must have gotten the preservative free vaccine, it requires two doses.  Your body begins to build immunity within ten days of the first dose, but a second dose is required for lasting immunity.  My daughter got the same thing.

I have gotten an H1N1 shot, and my daughter will be getting one as well.  We both got the regular flu vaccine. 

Just to be clear, the chances of the H1N1 vaccine having side effects dissimilar from the seasonal flu vaccines are minimal.  You can do what you want for your own family, sure, but common sense would dictate that the way the vaccines are manufactured along with the track record of safety of the seasonal vaccine that the H1N1 vaccine is perfectly safe. 

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/v...

Angie - posted on 10/21/2009

my boys have already started with their shots. I asked their doctor about the h1n1 shot and she said that IF they get it I should concider getting them vaccinated for that one also, because I have an older boy in school already and he would pick it up and bring it home. this is also the reason I got them the reg shot last yr. I'm still undesided with the h1n1 because I heard that the second round of shots may be safer then the first and that the shot hurts and numbs you. I don't think I want this for my boys. we'll see. I wish this whole mess would just magically disappear

Tara - posted on 10/21/2009

My pediatrician is doing the same for my Hailey. It's because they've never had the vaccine before so they have to have a flu booster after a month. Oct is usually when most dr offices start getting the immunizations so it's in a hot commodity for they only produce so many. I'll get my Hailey a H1N1 'cause it doesn't hurt to get one. No need for any of us to get on soap boxes and get evil with people. We all have our opinions and no problem for any of us to voice them. So keep the love people.

Jessica - posted on 10/20/2009

Does anyone know why babies have to get two flu shots? He got the first one over a week ago and then told me to reschedule the next shot in a month. Then the receptionist lady said call in 3 weeks we're not sure if we'll have enough. I'm just kinda confused. Is he partial immune?

Michelle - posted on 10/20/2009

Quoting Amber:

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Amber:

I work in health care, and I will be getting my daughter vaccinated for both types of the flu, since I have a higher chance of getting it and bringing it home to my family. Both are completely safe; everyone I have talked to who has gotten the H1N1 vaccine has had no side effects. So I'm going to vaccinate, since its better to do so than risk my child (who is a preemie and was diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome) to get this nasty bug!

how do u know there wont be long term effects? heck even short term issues after a couple months? YOU DONT

 

 

no, i dont know what the side effects are...but i have a higher chance of brining it home, so why should i risk my child? i would rather vaccinate...its my choice; you have your opinion about whats best for your family, and this is best for mine.

 

i dont care if you get the shot or not that's your business but to post theres no side effects is a LIE... since there isn't enough research to support if there is or not at this point

Amber - posted on 10/19/2009

Quoting Michelle:

Quoting Amber:

I work in health care, and I will be getting my daughter vaccinated for both types of the flu, since I have a higher chance of getting it and bringing it home to my family. Both are completely safe; everyone I have talked to who has gotten the H1N1 vaccine has had no side effects. So I'm going to vaccinate, since its better to do so than risk my child (who is a preemie and was diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome) to get this nasty bug!

how do u know there wont be long term effects? heck even short term issues after a couple months? YOU DONT

 

 

no, i dont know what the side effects are...but i have a higher chance of brining it home, so why should i risk my child? i would rather vaccinate...its my choice; you have your opinion about whats best for your family, and this is best for mine.

Lena - posted on 10/16/2009

Flu shots for everyone in the house....yes. H1N1 vaccines....NO! It would be different if we were at a higher risk factor such as asthma or other respiratory illnesses in the family. Then we would have to weigh the risks. Get swine flu or risk possible vaccine related side effects which are currently unknown. Fortunately we do not have that issue. For those that do I am sure it is a tough decision.

Michelle - posted on 10/16/2009

Quoting Amber:

I work in health care, and I will be getting my daughter vaccinated for both types of the flu, since I have a higher chance of getting it and bringing it home to my family. Both are completely safe; everyone I have talked to who has gotten the H1N1 vaccine has had no side effects. So I'm going to vaccinate, since its better to do so than risk my child (who is a preemie and was diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome) to get this nasty bug!

how do u know there wont be long term effects? heck even short term issues after a couple months? YOU DONT

Amber - posted on 10/15/2009

Have you called your local health department? They may have some available...it usually runs about $15-$20 a shot, and for babies, its 2 doses they have to get to be protected

Amber - posted on 10/15/2009

I work in health care, and I will be getting my daughter vaccinated for both types of the flu, since I have a higher chance of getting it and bringing it home to my family. Both are completely safe; everyone I have talked to who has gotten the H1N1 vaccine has had no side effects. So I'm going to vaccinate, since its better to do so than risk my child (who is a preemie and was diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome) to get this nasty bug!

Jennifer - posted on 10/15/2009

I think if a young child gets the H1N1 virus it could be pretty bad. I read that they just found that the flu has caused lesions and problems in the lungs for some people. I think I may get my kids the vaccine and I trust my doctor. If she would give it to her children so will I.

Cassie - posted on 10/13/2009

I am still really confused on all this. And on top of it all my pedatrician is still saying they haven't recevied any regular flu shots yet. It is really frustrating me

Autumn - posted on 10/13/2009

we get yearly flu shots but my family peronally wont be geting the swine flu vaccines as one mom said earlier my kids will not be guinea pigs. the vaccine hasnt been out long enough to see side effects short term or long. so for us its a no wish the best of luck to u n ur family!!

Tanya - posted on 10/10/2009

We got our son Kyle the regular flu shot already. Not sure if we will get the H1N1 vaccine or not, but we probably will. There have been thousands of people who have gotten it already from health care workers to children and babies and the side effects seems pretty few and mild. Hope this helps.

Kelsey - posted on 10/10/2009

Im in the same spot you are. If your kids get the swine flu...its not a good thing i hear, so you might wanna consider the vaccine. however, there are risks. Like some of you have said, with it being so new, who knows what the side effects are. Im gonna get my swine flu shot first, and see how it goes, then ill consider it for my child.

Kat - posted on 10/10/2009

We get the flu shot & I am generally pro immunisation. But I am like you on this one, very unsure. I am concerned that it is so new. My Husband says NO, so for the time being I'm going to think about it a bit longer. We are not due to get our flu shots till March next year anyway so will give it some more thought then.

Zojoho - posted on 10/09/2009

I'm with Michelle on this one..any other time I would prolly have considered it..but the vax hasn't even been out for that long, so how do they know that it's safe for babies, kid's and unborn babies??
So it's a big fat NO in our household..we don't even get flu shots..

Michelle - posted on 10/09/2009

we are not getting the swine flu shot i dont care how much people want to say this shot is made by the same company isn't different blah blah... there is NO research and my kids will NOT be guinea pigs