The H1N1 Vaccination?

Adina - posted on 10/18/2009

my son got it and he got the nose spray one. he got it like last wensday and he has been perfectly fine no sideeffects not even a little fever.

Kate - posted on 10/16/2009

I think it's vitaly important to get information from credible sites such as the FDA or the Public Health Agency. There is so much bogus information on the internet about H1N1 and the vaccine. While little is known about it (which I agree is un-nerving) look what vaccines have done for us in the past. We no longer have to worry about diseases such as diptheria, mumps, polio or even the chicken pox. My four children have had these vaccines with no second thought on my part, but I suppose our reluctance with the H1N1 vaccine is time, it just hasn't been around long enough. My fear is that if we wait for the second wave of H1N1 how bad will it be & how many lives could it take? If this can be prevented by vaccinating ourselves I leaning more towards getting the shot. I found some really good (and legit) information on the FDA site and the Public Health Agency site.

Kate - posted on 10/16/2009

I think it's vitaly important to get information from credible sites such as the FDA or the Public Health Agency. There is so much bogus information on the internet about H1N1 and the vaccine. While little is known about it (which I agree is un-nerving) look what vaccines have done for us in the past. We no longer have to worry about diseases such as diptheria, mumps, polio or even the chicken pox. My four children have had these vaccines with no second thought on my part, but I suppose our reluctance with the H1N1 vaccine is time, it just hasn't been around long enough. My fear is that if we wait for the second wave of H1N1 how bad will it be & how many lives could it take? If this can be prevented by vaccinating ourselves I leaning more towards getting the shot. I found some really good (and legit) information on the FDA site and the Public Health Agency site.

Sarah - posted on 10/16/2009

I am on the fence with the H1N1 vaccine. My son is currently 4 months old, so in December (6 months) he will be eligible for it. I feel he'd be better off getting it than not. Especially since his sitter also keeps a 7 yrs old before and after school. Who knows WHAT germs she'll be dragging in. I also feel, however, that this vaccine was a little rushed and maybe it hasn't been tested properly. Hopefully by Dec-Jan when he's old enough to receive it they will have administered the first round, worked all the kinks out, and released the 2nd round. We'll see.

Sarah - posted on 10/16/2009

I am on the fence with the H1N1 vaccine. My son is currently 4 months old, so in December (6 months) he will be eligible for it. I feel he'd be better off getting it than not. Especially since his sitter also keeps a 7 yrs old before and after school. Who knows WHAT germs she'll be dragging in. I also feel, however, that this vaccine was a little rushed and maybe it hasn't been tested properly. Hopefully by Dec-Jan when he's old enough to receive it they will have administered the first round, worked all the kinks out, and released the 2nd round. We'll see.

Jessica - posted on 10/15/2009

Well this chat has bein intersting.. My son if 4 months and when he goes back to tha doc for his 6month check up tha doc said that i could get him a flu shot.. But i dnt think im goin to get it.. Most ppl i have heard that get it, gets the flu and gets really sick, so i dnt think i will get it for him.. And i know for sure im not getting the H1N1, because its new and hadnt bein tested hardly any and im just scared for my sons safety to get it.. i might consider it down tha road when it has been tested alot more, and tha ppl that has got it hasnt got sick from tha shot...

Natasha - posted on 10/15/2009

I never got the vaccine for this. My husband , my eldest son (3yo) and myself all tested positive to swine flu while my youngest son (only six weeks at the time) remained free of it. I would say it was the worst flu I ever had, however I was breastfeeding my youngest at the time and the doctor said that was probably why he remained immune; he was getting the antibodies I was producing while I was fighting it off. As I said it was definitely a bad flu, I felt crap for weeks and I also developed a chest infection, however seeing as myself and my family got through it the first time I'm not sure that I would get the shot if it the pandemic became a huge problem again, its very new and not well enough tested for my liking. This might sound like a contradiction, but I am actually quite big on immunisations, I know firsthand how they save lives and how the lack of 'herd immunity' kills, however I do believe that this flu wasn't the killer it was hyped up to be. Obviously the ill, the elderly, pregnant women and young infants should be kept out of the public for a while for their own safety, unfortunately thats a neccessity. My body has developed antibodies to this strain of flu, as did my husband and older son and my baby received them from me so I think we should be safe from a bad strain again. I am NOT a health professional, this is the info I received from my GP. Just remember though that not all immunisations are bad and that the world we live in today has benefitted greatly from the immunisation schedule put in place for our children, you simply cannot gain immunity to some of these diseases, a lot of them just kill or leave the person profoundly disabled (this happened to my daughter, who died at only 7 weeks old last September). These are the cases where herd immunity becomes of great importance. This however is my opinion, and other people have their own on the topic of immunisation, I respect that.

Leah - posted on 10/15/2009

I have gotten a flu shot ONCE and had a horrible reaction to it. I got soooo sick. Since then I have not gotten any flu shots and never get the flu during flu season. I clean my home everyday, clean all the handles of the doors, etc, take vitamins, wash my hands a little OCD like...just practice super cleanliness. My daughter is NOT in daycare nor around other children or really many other adults. I will NOT be getting any kind of flu shot and will just keep doing what I am doing. I wish everyone a safe and healthy season :)

Jenifer - posted on 10/15/2009

If you want to know what is in the vaccines or what the possible side effects are, read the package insert. You can do this with all childhood vaccines, if you like. They are usually accessible from the FDA or CDC. Here is the vaccine that is currently licensed for babies over 6 months in the US:

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



But I do agree with you, that it really is a shame that there is so much bad information out there, even coming from doctors and nurses. There are no adjuvants or thimerosal in the vaccines going to babies - you can check the ingredients list from the link above.

Katt - posted on 10/15/2009

I have a question. If this H1N1 vaccine is the same as the regular flu shot then why is there so much controversy over it?? Why are some doctors saying there is no way they would give it to their children and why are some saying they would?? There has to be some truth about whats in the shot! I think everyone is so mis unformed and the internet is a huge place you never know if what your finding is correct. I hate that, no matter where you go you get mixed information!! Some one who is educated enough about H1N1 needs to give the PROS and CONS of giving this vaccine, because there are pros and cons to everything despite what some people say. Nothing is 100% safe. I don't want to put something into my daughters body that may have potential harmful ingredients, like mercury or adjuvant. If these things cause harm why put them in it in ANY amount!! I just done get it. I don't have a good feeling about this shot but at the same time I want to protect her. This topic is really touchy, from reading some peoples posts getting the vaccine has caused harm, even death but others are fine. I don't want my daughter to get sick and it looks like the door swings both ways with some people. Were not all the same and I understand we can't genetically make a shot for everyone but if this shot is going to cause harm... don't give it. I'm so concussed about this i'm still so undecided!

Julianne - posted on 10/15/2009

I personaly will not be getting it for me or my children. Y should I when most people who get the regular flu shot get the flu. That's y we've never gotten that shot and we haven't gotten the flu either. I dont wanna give my children something that could make them sick.

Alejandra - posted on 10/15/2009

Hi, i live in mexico in Tijuana to be exact, and theres no way in this life that im going to put my baby girl in danger, my family is full of doctors and they are not going to take the vaccine!! so why should i let them use my little angel as a guinea pig!!! This H1N1 thing is just a dumb lie to put the public in a panic mode and so they cant test on our babys!! soo NOOOOOO way!

Kirsten - posted on 10/15/2009

Quoting Katherine Leslie:
 and how they have to get the shot for the rest of their life from now on.

Um thats just not true.

Tara - posted on 10/15/2009

Quoting FayAnne:

I just found out last night someone i know gave their healthy 8 year old, with absolutely no underlined problems the vaccine. He had just had a physical. After getting the vaccine he started getting vaccine which is usually normal with vaccine including this one. The mother went into the shower still thinking her son was having normal symptoms since the doctor told her it would most likely happen , when she came out she went to check on him and found him on his bed foaming from the mouth with his eyes rolled back into his head. he went to the hospital where he was diagnosed brain dead a few hours later he was gone, he had passed. R.I.P

OMG! That poor little man. Im in tears right now. i couldnt even imagine that mothers pain right now! Him and his family are in my prayers.

Thats so unbelievably scary and sad!

Anna - posted on 10/15/2009

Quoting Jennifer:

My kids just got the H1N1 flu. My baby (4 weeks old at the time) spent 2 days in the NICU because of it. All 3 had temp of 100 - 102 for a few days Sick and in pain for 2 weeks. The baby had to have a spine tap to check for Meningitis. Some parent sent their child to school sick with the swine flu and my kids paid for it. If they had gotten the shot they would have been protected.

To be fair, H1N1 has a 7-10 day incubation period when the infected person is contagious yet presents no symptoms. Even more reason it's better to be safe than sorry.

Kimberly - posted on 10/15/2009

I am getting my daughter the H1N1 vaccine. Children this age are at a very high risk and it can become deadly for them. My doctor told me that small children are at higher risk then even eldery people with other health problems. The vaccine they are giving in the shot form is not a live virus, the live virus vaccine is only the one in nasal spray form. This is not recommended for children under 2. Getting the vaccine just like the regular flu shot can still make you sick. It is not the virus that you get from the shot it is the reaction your immune system has to it, which is to protect you. You can not get seriously ill from the shot. If your child gets the virus and did not have the shot than they are at a risk of getting other complications from it that could cause serious illness, which is what is causing many of the babies to die from with the H1N1.

Jennifer - posted on 10/15/2009

I called the health dept and my daughter's pediatrician and talked to them about it today. they both said it's better safe than sorry. my niece just came down with the swine flu and it terrified me. i plan on getting my daughter vaccinated

Jennifer - posted on 10/15/2009

My kids just got the H1N1 flu. My baby (4 weeks old at the time) spent 2 days in the NICU because of it. All 3 had temp of 100 - 102 for a few days Sick and in pain for 2 weeks. The baby had to have a spine tap to check for Meningitis. Some parent sent their child to school sick with the swine flu and my kids paid for it. If they had gotten the shot they would have been protected.

FayAnne - posted on 10/15/2009

I just found out last night someone i know gave their healthy 8 year old, with absolutely no underlined problems the vaccine. He had just had a physical. After getting the vaccine he started getting vaccine which is usually normal with vaccine including this one. The mother went into the shower still thinking her son was having normal symptoms since the doctor told her it would most likely happen , when she came out she went to check on him and found him on his bed foaming from the mouth with his eyes rolled back into his head. he went to the hospital where he was diagnosed brain dead a few hours later he was gone, he had passed. R.I.P

Stephanie - posted on 10/15/2009

I am not getting the h1n1 for my 11 mon. old- who has asthma, or myself - I am pregnant and diabetic. I believe it is too new to feel comfortable with the idea... my son's ped's office also is not ordering/ administering the vaccine- that right there tells me something isn't right with the vaccine, at least not yet.

Jennifer - posted on 10/15/2009

My family isn't getting vaccinated for it. I actually had a friend get guillain barre syndrome from the vaccine not that our decision had anything to do with that but it further proves my point of why i won't get it.

Christina - posted on 10/15/2009

I dont think so. Rumor has it that the H1N1 is killing people.

Sarah - posted on 10/15/2009

thank you AnnMarie for the video and i already said no to the vacs since it came into excistance. it's way too new and i don't trust it. maybe after a 5 year study i would be more comfortable.

Melody - posted on 10/15/2009

www.examiner.com

take a look at this link it tells what kind of things that are in it. i will not allow my child to recieve it.

Letitia - posted on 10/15/2009

hi my 2yr old son had swine flu in july this year and it was very scary as we nearly lost him. the night before he was fine and he had a great day at daycare so we didnt think anything was wrong when we put him to bed. the next morning i went in at 7am to wake him as i had to take my older kids to school. he was stiff wouldnt open his eyes and was making grunting noises. i tried cold water on his face whilst calling an ambulance, just as the ambulance go to my front door he started having seizures. i live 15mins away from the hospital and he seized all the way there, they gave him drugs to bring him out of it by the time we got into emergency he opened his eyes smiled at me and crashed they had to resuscitate him. it was touch and go for 24hrs the after effects he had for a few days was weakness down his right side and his balnce was out so he would fall over.

i spoke to the doctor about the vaccination and in australia he informed me that it was a live virus being injected similar to tetanus booster and you had to be over the age of 10 to get it. luckily my other 5 children and the rest of our family didnt get swine flu but i am not crash hot on the needle as they told me there is a 35% chance of contacting the swine flu from it and after what we went through i dint think i could give my children the needle and have them contract it. but your best bet is to discuss it with ypur doctor as everyones opinion doesnt matter just what you think is best for your son and mothers just know.

Adina - posted on 10/14/2009

really crazy the age limit here for the

H1N1 shot 2-60. but they one my son got wasnt a shot they like squirted it up hi nose. but so far he has been good. eh even got the seasonal flu shot too. no side effects yet to either. but really its up to u

Adina - posted on 10/14/2009

really crazy the age limit here for the

H1N1 shot 2-60. but they one my son got wasnt a shot they like squirted it up hi nose. but so far he has been good. eh even got the seasonal flu shot too. no side effects yet to either. but really its up to u

AnneMarie - posted on 10/14/2009

my family works at a hospital and they're not even ordering it. its really important for you to know that the h1n1 nasal vaccine is a LIVE virus..its not a dead strain like the regular flu shot..im not getting it for my daughter and probably wont till shes way older.

be careful..flus hit babies hard..personally i dont think its worth the risk

Roxanne - posted on 10/14/2009

I will not be getting the H1N1 shot for my son or myself. Its too new and I dont feel it has been tested thoroughly yet. He is on a waiting list for the reg flu shot. There is a shortage here in San Antonio so we are patiently waiting. I also heard they are keeping a paper trail on those who do get the H1N1 shot. My sister works the flu clinic at Kaiser Hosp in Cali and that is what she has been told. Sounds like some geinea pig testing to me.... No Thanks ;)

Kirsten - posted on 10/14/2009

Everyone's a scientist now!



I will absolutely be getting the shot for my son..Its the same as any other flu shot...It is not a novel shot and it HAS been tested on children (at least in the US)

I've asked many people, including a trusted high school friend who is now a doctor. Many of the people who have died or have been seriously ill are children and pregnant women..so please everyone take care of you and yours in whatever way you choose! If you don't vaccinate please be extra vigilant!



Having a biology background I know enough that viruses can QUICKLY mutate and what may not seem so bad right now can quickly turn very nasty. I think this will be even more likely to happen since everyone is Lysol/sanitizer happy. I am not a doctor or a person who creates vaccines and tests them. These people go through YEARS of training, and I therefore trust their opinion.



I have decided not everyone's out to kill me and my children. Or give them austism. and guess what? Children who do not get vaccines still get autism...There is a basic rule in science that states: Correlation does NOT equal causation. Many other things have happened in the same time frame as the increase in autism. Worried about chemicals? Check the food you eat...There are chemicals in EVERYTHING!

Erica - posted on 10/14/2009

My hubs and I do not yet have children (trying though), and I already know that we personally will be getting a religious exemption form completed the moment our children are born. I personally am highly against vaccines in general. I have family that were some of the forerunners of the medical field (an aunt that came up with the daily dose for vitamin C) etc. But as others have said, not enough research has been done on H1N1 and that bothers me.

Personal experience is that I am am #1 of 4 children myself. Growing up the first 2 of us were born in a hospital, getting vaccinations as children, and we both got sick, a lot! The last two were home births, minimal to no vaccine shots their whole lives, and they are the two healthiest and smartest individuals I have ever met. I'm not just saying that because they are my family. I'm saying that because watching them grow up, other than chicken pox and maybe a minor cold here and there, I have never seen these two deathly sick ever.

So personally, I am against it. Until the Gov. can show me proof that unless adults and children will suffer greatly without getting vaccinated, I see no reason why they should be.

Jenifer - posted on 10/14/2009

Getting a vaccine for anything is never a guarantee that you won't get the virus at some point - but it does decrease the odds significantly. The flu vaccine can be tough, because there are non-flu viruses (like a stomach bug) that you can still get. Plus there are other strains of flu that are less prevalent, and not included in the vaccine. For me personally, getting the vaccine is just one part of staying healthy - eating right, good hand washing, staying away from sick people has to be a part of it, too.

Arianna - posted on 10/14/2009

I am also concerned about getting either shot, the regular flu shot [since I am pregnant and NEVER had a flu shot in my life] as well as getting the H1N1. I have a prenatal check up today and asked my doctor if I should get the both tests and he told me yes.. now that I have read all these posts I am even more concerned. I want to make the best choice to keep myself and my unborn baby healthy and now I feel completly overwhelmed. I also heard that even if you get the regular flu shot you may end up getting sick anyways.. so it doesn't really sound like it is that much of a better choice by getting the shot? I am just confused. My mother-in-law is a R.N. and she recommends that I get both shots...

Marcella - posted on 10/14/2009

i work in a hospital. and, my daughter and i both have regular flu vaccinations. from what i have read and understand about the h1n1 vaccination, you don't really need it. the regular flu shot should suffice for you and your child. and, honestly, if your child has any respiratory problems (ie: astham, bronchitis, etc), the vaccination can actually make the problems worse. and, because my daughter has asthma, i didn't get the vaccine.



in all honesty, i don't think the h1n1 vaccine is safe for ANYONE, especially children, pregnant women and elderly people. they're hyping this vaccine up for no reason. if they have a vaccine for people AND pets (which they do), then you know it's a problem. just my opinion, though.

Stephanie - posted on 10/14/2009

Quoting Jenifer:

Quoting Stephanie:

I'll stick to the regular shot, this was also suggested to me by a nurse at Miami Children's Hospital. She advised NOT to do it, just give the reg flu shot that that would also help avoid the H1N1.

The seasonal flu shot will not protect against the H1N1 pandemic strain. The dead viruses in the seasonal shot are not at all related to the H1N1 strain, and a vaccine for one type of flu won't protect you from another. That's why the seasonal flu vaccine is updated and re-administered each year.

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

Well then they need to keep these nurses better informed.  Either way I wouldn't do it. 

Thanks for the info, i'll read it better than pay attention to nurses now! LOL.

Jenifer - posted on 10/14/2009

Quoting Stephanie:

I'll stick to the regular shot, this was also suggested to me by a nurse at Miami Children's Hospital. She advised NOT to do it, just give the reg flu shot that that would also help avoid the H1N1.

The seasonal flu shot will not protect against the H1N1 pandemic strain. The dead viruses in the seasonal shot are not at all related to the H1N1 strain, and a vaccine for one type of flu won't protect you from another. That's why the seasonal flu vaccine is updated and re-administered each year.

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

Jessie - posted on 10/14/2009

I'm not getting it for my daughter because it was rushed into production. A pharmacist friend of mine said that there is a lot of Mercury in this vaccine. I'd go ahead with the regular flu shot and wait until next year for the H1N1 :)

Stephanie - posted on 10/14/2009

I give my kids the regular flu shot, you should in order to build they're immune system for other flus. BUT I will in no way, shape, or form, give them the H1N1 shot. They have been tested on adults but not on children and I will not give my children as guinea pigs for this shot. When they first started the reg. flu shot thousands died before they took it back to the lab and tested it.



I'll stick to the regular shot, this was also suggested to me by a nurse at Miami Children's Hospital. She advised NOT to do it, just give the reg flu shot that that would also help avoid the H1N1.

Ashly - posted on 10/14/2009

Im not getting my son the H1N1... I heard the military and people that run the conutry are getting the shot but without the "controversial additives".. I've been telling everyone I know NOT to get it... just to take extra precautions, like washing hands and staying away from sick people. I also heard that if your child has any congential defects that it could do more harm than anything, this is my main reason for not getting it....

Valerie - posted on 10/14/2009

We're not going to have our 17 month old or ourselves vaccinated for the H1N1. She hasn't had any shots so far and I doubt we'll be getting any for her. Like many of you have said, this H1N1 seems to have been rushed without any valid testing or studies. Besides, it seems like we over vaccinate anyway and are ignoring the possible risks. We underestimate the healing ability of our own bodies and are willing to inject it with a combination of dead viruses and various animal product/serums. But, that being said, it is still difficult and scary to decide what to do for our children!

FayAnne - posted on 10/14/2009

The swine flu is a man made virus!!!! so some intentionally made virus to put out there in the first place who knows what could be going on in the vaccine that is not noted in the clinical studies. i do not fell in my heart that this vaccine should be giving to my child or any child for that matter. And its not autism that i am worried about i give my son all other vaccines and those, although not proven, could have possible risks of autism too I think the vaccine in general is not safe i think we are going to see more harm done by this vaccine the the virus itself and i am willing to bet on that!!

Angela - posted on 10/14/2009

if you dont want to vaccinate your child there are ways around it you just have to sign a waiver and tell them its against you moral or religious beliefs

Angela - posted on 10/14/2009

i dont give my kids any shots anymore but i would definantly not give them any flu shots

Christina - posted on 10/14/2009

I want to Thank all the mom on here who had good info about this vacine. I am a young mom on a 4month old and i was not educated at all about this vacine, really because i didnt know they were giving it to babies a young as 6 MONTHS OLD! I dont feel their has been enough testing on this vacine for me to ever feel comfortable with giving it to a baby so young and open to illness. I would also like to say i ama stay at home mom so that is another reason i dont feel it is necessary. I am not in any way judging those moms who get the vacine. this is just MY opinion. Thanks All for the great info.

Brittney - posted on 10/14/2009

I'm not going to get into a debate here on this post. I will say , follow your gut. My gut has lead me to say HELL NO your not touching me or my kids with that. They skipped a lot of regular protocol with making this stupid vax!! it is all about $$$$ > just like 90% of the rest of them!

Rebecca - posted on 10/14/2009

I know where i live, you can not enter your child in school without proof of ALL immunizations...so we really do not have a choice where i am. We discussed things with our dr before our son got his shots but she said in reality he will ned to get them but if we wanted to get them done at different times we could.

Tara - posted on 10/14/2009

Thanks :) You learn something new everyday.

Jenifer - posted on 10/14/2009

They help to improve the immune system's response, but aren't necessary in a vaccine. A vaccine with adjuvant, means less dead virus is necessary to get the immune response, but the adjuvant carries a slightly increased risk of a reaction. Without the adjuvant, you need to inject more of the dead virus in the vaccination to induce immunity. Their are pros and cons to both ways of formulating a vaccine. This is a good overview, if you're interested:
http://www.slate.com/id/2228700/

Tara - posted on 10/14/2009

Aren't adjuvants important parts of the vaccine though? To help it work better and be safer in younger children?

Jenifer - posted on 10/14/2009

They are different brands, and quite different formulations as well - even though they are made my some of the same manufacturers. For example, in the US, we don't use adjuvants in flu vaccines, but Australia does (along with many other countries).