H1N1 Vaccine: Are you getting it for your kids?
UPDATE: More resources. These come from PsychMama, who’s opinion in many things I respect. Note that in NO way am I advocating you NOT to get the vaccine for yourself or your kids. I AM however advocating you to get completely informed and make a good decision – without the media’s influence. Certainly, talk to your doctor as well.
- H1N1 Vaccine Info: Psych Mama discusses her decision and provides more links.
- Fighting H1N1 Naturally: so glad I found this! BTW, this reminds I should do a post on hygiene for LD kids!
So, my husband and I were walking by the TV and there was a piece about the new H1N1 (aka swine flu) vaccines being ready and he said, “We are NOT vaccinating the kids.” Now I tend to think that there is a little TOO much vaccine hysteria (on the side of having to get them), so I have no problem with this, but I asked him why. Did it have to do with it being too new and not thoroughly tested yet?
He does tech support for a pharmaceutical company – only for the last few months – but he says that there is WAY too much involved in actually making sure a drug is safe and he didn’t want something that new in the kids.
Agreed. So I posted the question of vaccinating kids on Twitter, and got a LOT of “no’s”. Over at Facebook, there is a protest going on about giving it to newborns. (Newborns?? Really? That’s something I’m against for ANY vaccine, my own opinion.)
Note that we usually get the annual regular flu shot for the kids and that my kids are mostly up to date on vaccines. We waited on the HepB because we refuse to vaccinate at birth, ALTHOUGH I’ve heard tales of doctors doing it WITHOUT the parent’s permission. (Isn’t that illegal??)
So, what is your take? Vaccinating or not? Share your comments, I’m REALLY curious about what you think! Share links too!!
Here are some links that will PROBABLY muddy up the whole issue for you. (Note: all the Mercola links require a login):
- Swine flu no worse than regular flu, Homeland Security SecretaryNapolitano says
- WaPo: Swine Flu Vaccine Will Contain Mercury/ (Are you kidding??)
- Why Millions of Americans Don’t Need a Swine Flu Vaccine
- GREAT video clips of retired neurosurgeon talking about his experience & research
- I’m scared to vaccinate my kids for swine flu One Mom’s take
- Inconveient Truths about Gardasil and Swine Flu Vaccines
- Experts starting to agree Vitamin D is better
- Evidence emerges that seasonal flu vaccine increases risk of H1N1 swine flu
- Merck employees had “hit list” of doctors they sought to “neutralize”, court documents reveal (opinion)
- Swine Flu. There are natural remedies. The US Government Ignores Them.
- Health Officials Admit Fast Tracked H1N1 Vaccines Will Not Be Tested for Safety Again, YIKES!
- H1N1 Flu Vaccine Will Contain Mercury
- Health Officials Admit Fast Tracked H1N1 Vaccines Will Not Be Tested for Safety
- Squalene: The Swine Flu Vaccine’s Dirty Little Secret Exposted
- Advocacy Groups Ask President Obama to Order Suspension of Hepatitis B Vaccine Birth Dose
- How Serious is H1N1? Deaths and Transmission Rate Uncovered
A great big thank you to the awesome PsychMama, who supplied most of these and gave me her take personally.
Ya just had to ask for an opinion! I’ve had hospital personnel tell me that H1N1 isn’t as bad as the seasonal flu. I’ve read that the vaccine has side affects, that, well, a less-rushed vaccine wouldn’t have. My husband had the flu. We got him to the dr, on meds and an inhaler. Noone else in the house has it! I don’t know why it’s being so hyped, but at this point, real life doesn’t match the hype. Yeah, a poor lady died in the ER of one of our state hospitals, but I want to know if she went to the dr or waited till it got too bad. Were there pre-existing health factors that any flu would have created an upgraded health risk? Funny how the media doesn’t tell about that part. No my boys aren’t getting the vaccine. As a matter of fact, we believe my husband got it from my son who got it from a guy on the soccer team. Only we just though he had a bad cold.
Remember that the flu is most dangerous to elderly people, young children (under 4? 2?) and pregnant women. Presumably, those are relatively healthy people – or at least without lung disorders. I’m not afraid of swine flu, like I wasn’t afraid of bird flu/SARS, terrorists, comets, 2012 or the apocalypse. Not that any of those things can’t happen, but I think in America we love to turn our disasters into Road Warrior or Dawn of the Dead.
We’re all gonna die one day, and can’t stop it. I’ve seen my Mom die a slow, painful death from cancer after losing her mind to Alzheimers, and Dad has Parkinsons, worse every time I see him. There are far worse things than death.
gina out
Hi Gina. We are leaning toward no, although I’m tempted to have my 4 year old vaccinated because I believe she would be the most vulnerable should she get it. She was recently diagnosed with Lyme, we caught it early. I’m taking a wait and see attitude. I read that the gov’t is collected more details on adverse reactions/effects than they normally do. So … we shall see.
This is an interesting quandary! It’s true that *usually* the most at risk groups are the very young, the chronically ill and the elderly. The irony in this is that most people over 65 were exposed to the flu virus of 1918 (even if they were born after that because it was still circulating) and those folks have been found to be immune to the H1N1 virus for the most part. This virus has a tendency to hit people between the ages of 20-45 the hardest.
There are 3 vaccines being released. Two of them are made with timerosol – a mercury based agent used to increase the effectiveness of a vaccine so that they can be produced more quickly. NO ONE needs extra mercury coursing through their systems. One vaccine has been made without thimerosol and will be reserved just for children – the catch is that you will actually have to ASK for it.
Still – I don’t think we’ll be getting vaccinated. My hubby is a Gulf War vet. He received quite a few experimental vaccines. These untested vaccines are now being blamed for Gulf War syndrome. My hubby has a rash that moves about his body yet never goes away.
I don’t trust vaccines that are thrown together with more hype than research. Not a fan! Most people in the general populations won’t be able to get the vaccine until November due to availability, and there is a good chance we’ll have had the flu by then. It’ll be the perfect excuse not to get the vaccine. Even if we haven’t had it, I’m gonna go with “No” on this one.
Hey Kris, I’m so sorry about the Lyme disease! I hope and pray she makes a full recovery. Wait & see is probably wise…
For me, it’s about risk assessment. How likely is the flu to be life-threatening to my family, VS. some unknown affects about the chemicals in the drug. I don’t just mean mercury, and I could be way off base. I feel like we consumers know so little, we have to go on this trust system. I don’t know about anyone else, but I have a hard time trusting pharmaceutical companies. Not the doctors, but let’s face it, the doctors who are even looking out for our interests are convinced by the drug companies TOO. Therein lies my lack of trust.
That said, I owe my life and my kids’ lives to some wonderful doctors…I wouldn’t be here without them.
Um, healthcare reform, anyone???
I have a 9-year-old son and 12-year-old step daughter and I would NOT give them the H1N1 vaccine, basically because it’s too new and I don’t think it could have been tested thoroughly enough in my opinion. I however would not be opposed to giving them the regular flu shot as I take this every year myself.
I also do not agree in giving such a new vaccine to newborns. This could end up disastrous if people go too crazy over trying to get this vaccine. I know the H1N1 has taken a lot of lives, young and old, and even healthy people, not just those with other ailments but I’ll take my chances and just try to educate my children on good hygiene techniques throughout their day both at school and home and use Lysol wipes and spray at home frequently.
NOWAY! My 3 year old nor any member of my house will be getting this shot. I agree it is way to new and can’t possibly have been tested enough in this little bit of time. There could be side effects that won’t appear for years from this kind of thing. Very few cases have been recorded in my state and i am obssessive about sanitization of hands and home. i’ll take my chances with the flew versus unknown chemica agents and mercury.
Hi Angela, from what I’m reading, it hasn’t been tested enough, that’s not even a debate! The pharma people are confident it’s safe and that should be good enough for us! (Can you feel my snarkiness, lol..)
Hi Rose, Welcome. Hm, seems no one chimed in to say “yes, we’re getting it”. Now that’s interesting!
From what I’ve learned, there’s really no way to find out all the side effects of drugs til years go by. Plus, with growing brains/bodies, who knows what will be affected? We are really too reliant on drugs & medication in this country as a cure-all. It’s sad.
I do NOT believe in getting flu shots! Like antibiotics we are now getting super germs that antibiotics can’t fight!! Because of over use! I believe if we keep letting the government pump all different flu vaccines into the system It will cause a major Pandemic! And Yes, there are risk that can show up later! Mercury is poisonous and causes problems in the body! And do not give the flu vaccines to my children!!
I think the h1n1 virus is being exploited to push the healthcare issue. It still has not killed more people than the normal flu. I have never gotten any flu vaccines and the speed in which this vaccine came out is alarming. I’m also upset at whose 1st in line for these vaccines. In America in the past we have always taken care of the young, old and weak first, but this is sounding more like socialism when you basically say take care of the ones who are still able to work and contribute to our great country.To each their own but before getting this quickly produced vaccine, check what happened with the 1970’s swine flu vaccine, some became paralyzed!!!!!
Well, I hadn’t thought of that, but yes, I think that may be possible. I’m not really sure how this is socialism, any more than having to get the chicken pox vaccine in order for your child to go to school, or else you needed “special permission” under Bush Admin was. I don’t fear socialism, but I do fear what’s going on with drug companies. I completely support healthcare reform with a public option, but it looks like the drug companies win AGAIN, this time on 2 fronts.
The more I learn, the more I fear our freedom has been lost at the hands of big business. Bush certainly had a lot to do with that, so did Clinton and Reagan. Looks like may be the same for Obama. What a shame.
I do think that the media has blown the threat out of proportion, but I think that getting the vaccine for my kids is certainly something to seriously consider. However after weighing all the pros and cons, I don’t see it as an imperative. Sure we all want to protect our children, but using a clear head I don’t think I’ll have my kids immunized.
GET THE VACCINE FOR YOUR CHILD! I have nine year old twin daughters who came down with H1N1 this past weekend. One had relatively mild symptoms…sore throat, headache, cough, 102.5 fever. She was feverish for two days, stayed home from school one extra and returned to school after staying home for 24 hours post-fever. HOWEVER, the other spiked a 105 fever on day 2, had vomiting in addition to the above symptoms and has continued with her fever for six days. She was just diagnosed with pneumonia this morning. There is just not enough known about which child will get a mild case of this and which will become seriously ill.
I am so stressed out about what to do. Yes it is a new vaccine and we do not know enough about it. But…there are people getting sick and dying. I just feel like if I get my kids the shot and something happens I will never forgive myself…but on the other hand if they don’t get the shot and get sick I would be in the same position. My kids are my life and I am having such a hard time deciding what is the right decision which is why I have been researching for DAYS.
H1N1 or Swine Flu is a bit scary but it a good thing to note that this virus is not that very deadly.
True. I’m still conflicted, but hubby is dead set against. Have to teach the kids and strictly enough hygiene habits, not easy with my kids.
Oh Ann, I’m so sorry! I will pray for your family. Thank you for providing an example of the OTHER side. I’m hearing these terrible effects. I wish you all well and I hope your daughter recovers soon.
Here is a nice article from wired magazine debunking the hysteria surrounding flu shots:
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2009/10/ff_waronscience_h1n1myths/
Supported by CDC facts: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/surveillanceqa.htm
Appears to me that your odds of having any negative effects (based on 1976 vaccination numbers) are 1 in 80,000 or 0.0000125. Your chances of getting the H1N1 are up to 50%. When infected by H1N1 your chances of being hospitalized are slightly greater than 1 in 8 (5,011/43,000). Your chances of dying from H1N1 are 0.70% (302/43,000). The Whitehouse report estimates 0.5% mortality rate (http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2009/08/25/h1n1-death-projections-doing-the-math/).
So let’s compare against the hysteria: If you have a 50% chance of catching the H1N1 and, if you catch it, a 1/8 chance of being hospitalized and a 0.7% chance of dying here are your odds:
Catching H1N1: up to 50%
Catching H1N1 and being hospitalized: 5.8%
Catching H1N1 and dying: 0.35%
Having a complication from the Flu Vaccine: 0.00125%
Based on this calculation, you are 280% more likely to catch H1N1 and die than you are to have a complication from the flu vaccine.
From the first article listed above:
“The third and most frequently cited concern regarding the modern H1N1 vaccine is that it hasn’t been adequately tested and therefore can’t be considered safe. First, it should be noted that drug companies have been developing and administering flu vaccines for decades with very few side effects other then the occasional stuffy nose or mild allergic reaction. The H1N1 vaccine is made by the same manufacturers, employing the same methods they use to make flu shots and nasal sprays every year.
Second, the National Institute of Health has been conducting clinical trials of the vaccine since July, and early data indicate that the vaccine is well tolerated. Additionally, at least 44,000 people have already been vaccinated in China with reports of only 14 adverse cases — and it’s not certain that those adverse outcomes are even linked to the vaccine.”
I’m not telling anyone to get it. I do strongly feel that people should do their own research and make their own, balanced, personal decision. Do not be easily frightened by hysterical people from the extreme side of either argument. Having said that, my family (2 adults, 2 children under
will be getting the vaccine when available. We have all had the seasonal flu shot before and this vaccine is not manufactured differently. The consequences of not having the flu shot far outweigh the risk of having the flu shot.
I had the flu last week and even though my doctor said it was seasonal (too low of a fever to be swine, she said) I have friends that don’t believe my own doctor, all because of the media. It’s scary what listening to the hype can do, more than what a vaccine or a virus can do. I appreciate the list of resources and the encouragement to others to learn more. I know it’s something I’m trying to do and love hearing that you’re pushing that as well!
Hi Leslie, I really hope everyone is feeling better? Thanks for the encouragement. We’re hanging tough here so far!