I'm having a really hard time with the rampant flu outbreaks in our area. Half of everyone I know has a child with the flu/swine flu, or has had one or the other themselves. I had to register Rhys with the school district last week and thought the germs were going to attach themselves to us in the five minutes we stood in the elementary lobby! I think I stared at the door handle for a full minute before I grabbed it with a germ wipe to go inside. Rhys has received the regular flu vaccine, but I have mixed feelings on the swine flu vaccine. Every doctor I have asked says something different. His pedi didn't mention it when he received his last round of shots. My OB told me I needed it and Rhys needed it. (I don't even want it for myself!) My friends' pedi's all say something different. Is anyone getting the swine flu vaccine for their kids? I know it is especially dangerous for those of us with kids that have "underlying medical conditions". There is something about the rush for the vaccine that makes me feel uncomfortable about it, but it certainly could be a situation where the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. If in fact there are actually any real risks to receiving the vaccine.
Anyone?
Anyone?
8 comments:
You have to make that decision for yourself and you need to talk to his dr. about it. Personally, if it's available for Julian next week when we go, then he's getting it. Max will get one too if he can with his egg allergy. I wouldn't give them the vaccine at all if I weren't pregnant. Not b/c I think the vaccine is dangerous for kids but b/c I just think natural immunity is best and I know they'd be OK if they caught the flu/swine or otherwise. But they don't have underlying medical problems.
Sarah has received one seasonal flu vaccine and is scheduled for the booster in November. As for swine flu, being the good mom I am, Sarah potentially had it and we didn't go to the docs. He agreed (after the fact, at her 12 month appt) that her symptoms fit with having had it. Anyway, long winded way of saying I'm in no rush for the H1N1 vaccine for either of us and so far I've neglected to take my Dr. note somewhere so I can get the seasonal flu vaccine. Maybe I'm too lax, time will tell...
I have not heard much positive about the h1n1 vaccine. My husband works for a drug company and the scientists are saying not to get it, and lots of doctors are saying the same. I got my girls the regular vaccine but not the h1n1. Our pediatrician has yet to see cases of the regular or swine flu yet, but I did ask. I think I would be doubly nervous about getting the h1n1 vaccine for a preemie though. I'm all for immunizing but I really don't care to jump on the "new vaccine" bandwagon. I will not be getting my 10 year old the Gardasil vaccine at her next well check, though it will be offered. Maybe in a few years...we shall see.
Amy, I think the egg thing applies to the h1n1 vaccine too, I've been hearing about people who can't get their kids either vaccine due to egg allergies. I will double check though.
GET IT!
This is how I am looking at it - if Abby gets the Swine Flu and it turns ugly, I will NEVER, ever forgive myself for not getting the shot for her.
Not to freak you out more than you already are ... BUT - I am going to the funeral of a 9 year old boy tomorrow who died from complications stemmimg from H1N1. He was a former 30-weeker with "underlying health issues." Need I say more?
GET IT!
PS ... Next year this will all be a non-issue because it will be part of the regular, seasonal flu shot.
Personally, I'm, not vaccinating my daughter for H1N1. She too is a former preemie, (25 weeker, 1pound 3 ounces) I just don't really want her to be a guinea pig. But that is only my opinon. You have to do what YOU feel is right for you and your family.
I am also very mixed. I have a daughter ( she is a twin) with an immune system that does not function correctly. I have heard mixed reviews as well. I am an infectious disease epidemiologist and prior to having the girls worked on the pandemic flu planning etc.
For our family we are not going to get it for Avery. We also have made the choice that we do not go out in public unless absolutely necessary and anyone who visits must be healthy or they are asked to leave. We also require a lot of handwashing.
As for you being pregnant, that is a tough choice as well because the disease is killing healthy pregnant woman. However, my sister is an RN and is pregnant and her and her staff that are pregnant are not getting it because they are afraid of the risks of the vaccine.
Tough choices.
Hey Candice (and Cody)...I got Kailey vaccinated and Cade will be as soon as I can get his done. I've seen 2 kids die from H1N1 and I know of a little 6-year old now that is really sick in TCH. It's a flu vaccine just like any other...and Death is BAD...that's what our neo's told us up here at work...enough said.
You know another pregnant friend of mine and I were talking and she simply put it "We have other children to worry about that are here and alive that need their mommies." So it kind of put a different perspective on things. But my Ob and my pedi both don't have it yet. But I definitely don't have a problem with Julian and Max getting it.
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