Should I get my children vaccinated for the H1N1?

Carrie-Ann - posted on 12/23/2011

if you are worried about any type of flu your BEST line of defense is vit. C and D and probiotics, hand washing and enough rest :)

Desery - posted on 10/29/2009

I agree with you, I feel the same way.

Hanni - posted on 10/29/2009

I say no. There is Mercury and another drug that is in it that has NOT been tested. And besides if the president has not gotten his girls the vaccine why should I !!!!

Ashley - posted on 10/27/2009

They are recommending the vaccine for kids and adults who have asthma... I will be taking my son next week... My mother has already had it and she is an rn. THey also have 2 dif H1N1 vaccines one of them DOES NOT contain mercury. I think people dont know all the facts.. next year the H1N1 strand will be included in the reg flu shot. The new virus broke out 2 months after they already make the vaccine for this year. It is your own choice.. but I have already seen a lot of kids in my area have issues with the virus... im not risking my son getting it.

Nicole - posted on 10/27/2009

most stuff i've read says that the vaccine(s) are not for infants. all depends on age, health etc. good for you talking to docs etc :)

Crystal - posted on 10/27/2009

I work at a hospital, most (not all) doctors that I have spoke with even my babies doc. all say that they are not giving their children the vac. Luckily my baby is not old enough but if he was I would not give it to him!

Felisha - posted on 10/27/2009

Funny, I have felt the same way about it as well. I feel the same for NEW medications too. You just have to way the pros and cons and get all the facts about it that you can and make a decision that is best based on your child and family.

Nicole - posted on 10/27/2009

http://preventdisease.com/news/pdf/GSK_A... ingredients, study info, for vaccine approved in canada. THERE IS NO MERCURY in any of the H1N1 vaccines. please people, talk to your doctors and get informed. the risk of neurological disorders is related to underlying PRE-EXISTING conditions... people with chronic illnesses should really consider getting the vaccine as it is less risky than catching the flu itself. this should also be considered as you would the normal seasonal flu. each person is very unique, and your doctor will be the best person to help you decide. there is alot of propaganda both for and against the vaccine. alot of the ingredients in the vaccine are at levels that are safe for human use (and are commonly used in seasonal varieties). these ingredients look scary, but are required to maintain the virus in a state that the body can recognize and the immunization will work.

Kristen - posted on 10/26/2009

My children nor I have ever had a flu shot and, surprisingly enough, have never had the flu. The media has hyped up this H1N1 thing so much that everyone is deathly afraid, which is what they want. People are so easy to control using fear tactics and they know this, as should you. So please don't be a sheep and fall into this H1N1 hysteria. Just do what's right for your children, which is not getting them injected with the flu and mercury, since flu shots are stored with a preservative called thimerisol which is mercury based. Some experts believe this mercury based preservative is what could be causing the recent influx of autism. Good luck Natalie, and remember, your kids will be better off without you giving them the flu.

Stephanie - posted on 10/26/2009

i myself don't think we really know enough about it so i don't really want to put it into my childs body.

Marcela - posted on 10/26/2009

both my kids were vaccinated for h1n1 over two weeks ago. no side effects, no problems. it's made just like the regular flu mist (we had the flu mist instead of the shot) but with the h1n1 virus. i'm more comfortable with the idea that they were vaccinated than with the fear that there may be something wrong with the vaccine.

Christina - posted on 10/26/2009

According to the CDC, of these 56 children, 31 had a pre-existing medical condition such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy before they became infected with H1N1, 17 did not, and health authorities don't have data on the eight other children. Among the children for whom the CDC has information, 35 died in a hospital's intensive care unit, four died in the emergency room, three died on an inpatient ward in the hospital and five died outside the hospital, such as at home or on the way to the hospital. The average age of the children who died is 10 years old. A September 4 CDC report has more details on the pediatric deaths

Stephani - posted on 10/26/2009

Hell to the NO!!!!!! Do you and your family want to be government ginea pigs. If you read up on it there is more mercury in that shot than there is in fish. Do you trust a government like ours to give you something for "free". Also my daughter brought home a paper from school talking about the H1N1 shot and it stated that the H1N1 is "expected " to be as effective as the regular flu shot. I work in a drs office and the dr I work for won't even get it. Just my opinion.

Christina - posted on 10/26/2009

Quoting Rose:

i am a CMA in a pediatric office and my doctor has been telling the patients parents its up to them if they want to or not. But he is not to sure about the vaccine because it hasn't had to many studys and we don't know all the side effects of the vaccine. In my own opinion i would stay away from it because like i said its fairly new and you really wont know how your kids are going to react to it.

Being a medical assistant, you should know that the H1N1 vaccine is manufactured the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. It's not a new drug that needs to go through years of trials. I encourage anyone that is considering not getting yourself or your children vaccinated to research the subject.

On the CDC website:

CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea.

Will the benefits of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines outweigh the risks? Is this something I should talk to my healthcare provider about?
Currently the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”) seems to be causing serious health outcomes for:

Seasonal influenza vaccines are highly effective in preventing influenza disease. The expectation is that a vaccine against 2009 H1N1 influenza would probably work in a similar fashion to the seasonal influenza vaccines. CDC and FDA believe that the benefits of vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine will far outweigh the risks.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza infection and its complications. This is the reason that CDC, national health organizations, and healthcare providers intensively promote vaccination for seasonal influenza, and the reason why so much work is being done to have a vaccine available in the fall for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

Christine - posted on 10/26/2009

I'm getting my kids vaccinated tomorrow. I'm also very nervous about it. They both have asthma and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything happened.

Rose - posted on 10/26/2009

i am a CMA in a pediatric office and my doctor has been telling the patients parents its up to them if they want to or not. But he is not to sure about the vaccine because it hasn't had to many studys and we don't know all the side effects of the vaccine. In my own opinion i would stay away from it because like i said its fairly new and you really wont know how your kids are going to react to it.

Debra - posted on 10/26/2009

Yes your child will survive. Mine will get one he has asthama if he dosent it will do him more harm. From newborn to 24 years i say yes,senior citizens are the saftest they seem to have the antiboides to fight it think about it. Give him some ammo to fight with right now he dosent have any. Keep Well

Christina - posted on 10/26/2009

Quoting kelly:

we personally are not getting our children vaccinated. I cant risk my children who both have asthma getting guerrien-barre syndrome and ending up on a respirator in the hospital for months or even dying. plusthey have mercury in the vaccine. for us we are going to wait it out. my daughter right now has the flu so even being vaccinated wouldnt have helped becuase it takes 90 days to have immunity to it.

Ending up on a VENTILATOR for a few months is a whole lot better than dying from complications of the H1N1 flu.

Check the CDC website, before you decide to not protect your children:

Because children with severe asthma are at high risk of serious complications from influenza, a regimen has been developed for giving influenza vaccine to children with severe asthma and egg hypersensitivity.

Christina - posted on 10/26/2009

I work in the medical field as a respiratory therapist, and I have already recieved the H1N1 vaccine. And my 3 year old daughter will be recieving it as soon as it is available. Vaccinating your children is a personal choice, but the H1N1 flu is very serious. It doesn't target the normal age categories as the seasonal flue. For some reason the H1N1 isn't affecting the very old and very young like normally. But for everyone in between, it has become very scary. The new vaccine is manufactured the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine, the only difference is that the H1N1 is a new strain, so many of us have no immunity to it.



I just hope that people take the public warnings to mind. If you are sick, stay home.



Here are the emergency warning signs that you need to get to the hospital, OTHERWISE STAY HOME!!!!!!!!!!!



In children



•Fast breathing or trouble breathing

•Bluish skin color

•Not drinking enough fluids

•Not waking up or not interacting

•Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

•Fever with a rash

In adults



•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

•Sudden dizziness

•Confusion

•Severe or persistent vomiting

Randi - posted on 10/26/2009

what are the age ranges for kids cause my son is almost 4months and I'm not sure if he can get it.. I work with the elderly so i will get the vaccination at my job.. My doctor didn't say anything at my last visit if my son could get it..

KAILI - posted on 10/26/2009

I am not getting either my 4 year old daughter or myself vaccinated. My question for the government is "How can you expect me to have my daughter vaccinated when the vaccine contains both Mercury and Lead, and she is not permitted to play with toys that were imported with the same toxins?" I am approximately 6 weeks pregnant and am a nurse. My employer strongly suggests that pregnant healthcare workers get the vaccine. I just do the best I can for my family---blow our noses when we sneeze, wash our hands, sneeze into our sleeves, etc. When I go into the ER, I wear a mask until I am outside of the hospital. I just don't want my unborn child and my daughter to victims of a poorly researched vaccine that later in life could prove to be harmful.

Suzie - posted on 10/26/2009

I have a 4 year old and a 2 month old and when I went to the doctor for my youngest first shots the doctor told me I should get the vaccine for myself bevause my son is under 6 months old... when I mentioned I was allergic to eggs he told me to forget it and just be careful... and he also suggested I take my oldest one out of daycare - which I am doing.



I have never gotten the regular flu shot because of my allergy... but depending on the level of the allergy, it can be harmless - I can't break an egg just because if I touch the white my skin has an instant reaction... so it's dangerou for me, but you never know what the level of allergy is for kids...



I have a friend who is a nurse and she doesn't want the vaccince for her or her kids (3 yrs old and 5 months)

Viviane - posted on 10/25/2009

My Pediatrician recommended that I give it to both of my kids; 7 months and over 2 years old. it is not a live virus and there shoudn't be any complications beside soreness or a bump. We talk about hyginee but how much could we trust taht people are following the proper way. I don't give my daughter the seasonal flu shot as it is based on teh flu detected the year before, so really there is no use. I trust my doctor and personally I will be vaccinating my 2 kids for it.

Melissa - posted on 10/25/2009

Cassandra, thanks for the information about the vaccine! I called the pediatrician the other day to get some information about it and I wasn't able to get through. There's clinic in November for babies to get the shot and I want to take my daughter. I don't know if she'll get the H1N1 virus or not but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Deb - posted on 10/25/2009

Talk to you doctor. By the way, the CDC does recommend vaccinating against in. There is a ton of info on their website. They find it no more dangerous than the regular annual flu vaccine, which is safe.

Carmon - posted on 10/25/2009

Thats really up to you. I would say for sure if your kids are young but over six months of age, and if they are in a daycare or public school. They will bring it home! My husban and I recived the H1N1 about a week ago we haven't had any problems, yet we did how ever get a headache from the nasal mist, thats all. We have a 10 week old at home and i work at a doctors office. i was not going to put his health at risk, he's to young to get it but if he wasn't he would get the vaccine. We also recived the normal seasonal flu shot. If you decided not to get it, then remember good hand washing! Oh yeah and use Lysol!

Jessica - posted on 10/25/2009

Also, if your kid has a reactive airway or asthma, don't just deprive them of a safety blanket. They won't be able to get the H1N1 shot. However, the detail people seem to be leaving out is that the doctors will give basically a pneumonia shot as an alternative.
My son developed the antibodies on his own before the shot was available here, but he is very healthy. Factor in your own kid's health and Ask a doctor. I'm sure regardless of how smart some of these people think they are, a little research and consultation with a real doctor would be the best way to get some good, valid information.

Jessica - posted on 10/25/2009

My son got H1N1 and developed a fever topping 104.8. There has already been a healthy, marathon-running military member that died from it. It's as dangerous as the regular flu except that we have no preexisting antibodies for it because it's such a different strain. I would suggest getting your kid the vaccine. It is certainly better than risking getting this flu. Whereas most flus go away in 3-4 days. My son was up and down from 104 fever for over a week and a half.

Nicole - posted on 10/25/2009

I'm not having my son get the vaccine. I spoke with my nurse practitioner about it and she said the only reason why people have died is because they have other underlying causes. I feel as though, like anything else, the media is blowing it way out of proportions..If its not flu season, anyone having the flu they think its H1N1...I'm not convinced.

Theresa - posted on 10/25/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

One thing to think about.... how many people relize that the annual flu shot is made diffrently every year for the flu that they think will be hitting the hardest... so if that is the case when do they have the time to test that one before mass relise to the public? So if that is the case no flu shots are ever really resurched...just a thought, just a thought

It's my understanding that they use the same basic vaccine, only changing the predominant strain.

So, the basis has been around for a long time. The change, however...not so much.

This is why we don't get the shot. If the flu changes a little bit, it's basically useless - IMO.  So we don't get it. And I don' t care what anybody says, it's awfully coincidental that the only time my husband has had the flu was within 1 day of getting the shot. And so many others I know, came down with the flu within 1 - 2 days of getting the shot.  That was the last time for my husband, and further bolstered my belief that the flu shot is more harmful than helpful.

Jeri - posted on 10/25/2009

That is a hard one. Some say yes get it and some say no don't. I have clients (dr's and nurses) that are on both sides of the fence with it too.

Tara - posted on 10/25/2009

it is a personal opinion like everyone has said. i personally have had both of my children vaccinated. i feel it's a hit or miss situation- people- children and adults are dying from the n1h1- whether they've had the shot or not- so like i said it's all in a persons personal choice. i hope everyone stays safe and healthy through this "epidemic". enjoy your day!!!!!!!

Jennifer - posted on 10/25/2009

One thing to think about.... how many people relize that the annual flu shot is made diffrently every year for the flu that they think will be hitting the hardest... so if that is the case when do they have the time to test that one before mass relise to the public? So if that is the case no flu shots are ever really resurched...just a thought, just a thought

Jennifer - posted on 10/25/2009

I have to agree that this is a scary cold season. I would like to get my children the H1N1. but i do fear the side effects of this unknown drug. But i believe the chance of them having sideeffects are not enough to out weigh the price of my children being deathy ill. This flu is fatial for our young kids and adults. Why? well back in the early 21st centery there was a bad case of a flu epidemic and most of the people that lived then devolped anti-boties for it. that is why it attacks our young. Unless you were born before 1945 you are at risk. I have first hand seen my child on life support and would nort wish that on anyone. i cant even describe how i felt. (Totaly Helpless) is one that does come to mind. I have asthma and so does my children. But i will be getting the vaccine and so will my family... they are to precious tto me not to get it...But do your research and make your own choice....

Julie - posted on 10/24/2009

I just got the nasel drop mist H1N1 for my son on Wed the 21st of Oct. I did call my Ped office 2 times and they said to get this vac.I was up in the air about it but since this is affecting mostly the young I did what my Peds office told me to do.Also if your child is under 10yrs of age u will need to get 2nd dose 28 days later.

Amanda - posted on 10/24/2009

I was very concerned about it as well but I have researched and researched the vaccine and I believe greatly that the benefits outway the risks...I will definitely be getting my children vaccinated...they were fine with the regular flu shot and its manufactured the exact same way it is...I just can't take that chance with my children.

Rosemary - posted on 10/24/2009

I work for a pediatricians office that is offering the h1n1 shot to all its patients as long as we have the supply available. Even though the doctor I work for recommends its tremendously I will not be giving my child the shot. I cant imagine the idea of my daughter being a guinea pig for the government. and I personally believe thats what everyone who is getting it is. this vaccine was just made not even 4 mths ago and it was already on the market. what about all the strenuous testing that goes into vaccines. the aids vaccine was in the works for three years before being announced that their is going to be such a vaccine. its all up to personal opinion but i wouldn't trust something not on the market for less than 6 mths without knowing that they tested this on something before and getting positive or negative results.

Theresa - posted on 10/24/2009

Never had the flu shot, never will. My sons will not be getting it either. We are upping vitamin regimines, being more diligent with hand washing and using hand sanitizer.

Amy - posted on 10/24/2009

we're not doing it. I feel there is not enough research done. Who's to say that in 20 years, the vaccine might have caused our children to be sterile or something. Just not enough research for me to allow it to be put into my daughters body.

Laurie - posted on 10/24/2009

Hi there! I'm debating on whether to get my 19 month old son the H1N1 vaccine as well. I probably won't get it for him... I don't believe there's been a long enough study on the vaccine, plus he's allergic to eggs; he did have the regular flu vaccine before we knew about the allergy however, I'm unsure about this vaccine and it's effects. Also he's not in daycare right now, so many things to think about. Good luck!

Amy - posted on 10/24/2009

My elementary-aged daughters both received the intranasal vaccine. There are risks with every vaccine, certainly. My husband & I decided that the risk for this vaccine was minimal, like the risk for MMR vaccine, etc. Our health dept. is hosting clinics for only healthy kids between 2-18 years. These kids are high risk for severe complications from H1N1. The CDC DOES recommend that kids get it. I trust the professionals who have studied this virus and vaccine in conjunction with other scientists all over the world.

Lisa - posted on 10/24/2009

I am a dental asst. at risk and am 25 at risk, and I just got my H1N1 shot. being in peoples mouths all day the germy place alone. I also have a 9 year old boy who will be getting it as well. shot was just like the normal seasonal flu little soar arm thats all. :) It is new yes, but it is just a differ strand of the flu they have been makeing flu vaccines for decades and it is just a differ strand exact same though. I wanted only the INACTIVE vaccine though which is the shot not the mist.

Christina - posted on 10/23/2009

I work in a hospital and I agree with everyone the H1N1 scares me too. I have heard that the vaccination that the children are getting is the spray up the nose and it is a live virus. I personally am not giving my children the vaccination, they will be getting there annual flu shots and thats all. Hope this helps.

Jayne - posted on 10/23/2009

I got the vaccine as I am pregnant. The explanatory notes said that you are more likely to get GB syndrome as a complication from the flu, rather than as a result of the vaccine. This means in effect that the vaccine would be more protective to you to avoid GB syndrome. Note this is the Australian version of events, it is my understanding the american vaccine is different.

Steffani - posted on 10/23/2009

Natalie I can only tell you what my doctor told me. I am close with my daughters doctor. He not only sees my daughter but my sister's kids and my cousins....as well as a few family friends. My doctor told me the vaccine is too new and to hold off. You really never know the side effects until others have been through it. I also asked my OB because I am 7 months prego. and she also told me the same thing...to hold off. Make sure you are 100% for sure about your decision. Again we were told to hold off. Our doctor knows our history - whats best for us. Have you talked to your doctor maybe he will make you feel better about getting it or not.

Cassandra - posted on 10/23/2009

Quoting Lori:

This is only my opinion......if this vaccine is made just like the regular flu vaccine, then what is the issue? It is just made for a different strain of flu? If I am wrong please let me know.

Lori,

You are correct.  It is manufactured using the same ingredients and the same process as the seasonal flu shot just with a different strain.  I am a nurse who specializes in immunizations.  I got my shot today and my arm is barely even sore.  It is a very personal decision whether or not to get the shot though!

Marie - posted on 10/23/2009

I have a 2 year old ,and am pregnant with my second, and have been discussing this with all my friends and family. I am nervous too about the H1N1 vaccine being so new, and the fact that I think the media just wants a good scare story.I don't think I will be getting it myself, or giving it to my daughter, but talk to your pediatrician and go with your gut, not ABC or NBC!

Tania - posted on 10/23/2009

Just replying to Kathy Smith, I guess I should clarify, if you have chronic asthma or any chronic illness then your at risk of complications from swine flu. My son doesn't have chronic asthma though, that's why the nurse told me he'd be fine.

Kathy Jo - posted on 10/23/2009

I forgot to mention that we don't get the regular flu vaccine either. The flu is the flu. The same symptoms for this flu season are the same as all the previoius flu seasons. People have been dying from the flu for centuries but not until drug companies came around did we start having "flu seasons", "flu outbreaks" The best defense against the flu or virus is a good offense--handwashing, handwashing, handwashing and common sense. I read some interesting info on the vaccine today. It contains dioxins. If you get a chance google dioxins.

Lori - posted on 10/23/2009

This is only my opinion......if this vaccine is made just like the regular flu vaccine, then what is the issue? It is just made for a different strain of flu? If I am wrong please let me know.