Like many of you, I'm sure, you've heard so much about H1N1 ("swine flu"). Is the vaccine safe? Do any risks associated with the vaccine outweigh the potential benefit?
Well, as we hear about more people in the U.S. being affected by the virus (many of whom are recovering just fine), I have been thinking more and more about whether to vaccinate my son. And I probably would chalk some of my concern up to media hype if it wasn't for the fact that I watched the impact of H1N1 hit close to home.
My boss came down with H1N1 towards the end of August (she works out of our Portland office, so I wasn't exposed), and the poor dear suffered for nearly two months from complications of the flu. From running a fever for weeks on end to contracting pneumonia and suffering a detatched lung, it seemed nothing short of a nightmare for her.
And all I could wonder the whole time was what I would do if it were my child suffering those symptoms. Granted, not everyone will have those complications. As the news and various reputable sites have shared, many have contracted H1N1 and recovered fine. But as a parent, am I willing to take that risk if I can have my child vaccinated? What if my son is that one who develops complications? These are all of the things that have been running through my head.
But I also know there are a lot of parents out there opposed to vaccinating, feeling that the vaccines themselves pose more harm than good.
To be honest, I think everyone has a right to their opinion. Parenthood is about doing the best you can and going with your gut. For me, I did my research and I have always vaccinated my child.
So, for those of you out there debating whether or not to vaccinate once it becomes available, here are a few great news articles and other blog posts that might be helpful as you make your decision:
Innoculation Misinformation: This is a very thorough Newsweek article that debunks the myths associated with the H1N1 vaccine.
H1N1 Vaccine: Myths, Misinformation vs. Science, Reality: An article from the Seattle Times, it explains how the vaccine was created and talks about the safety of it.
2009 H1N1 Swine Flu Virus: Link to the FDA site with links to various resources and research regarding the safety of the H1N1 vaccine.
Are you planning to vaccinate? Are you not planning to vaccinate? Please post a comment and let me know your thoughts!
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I'm not a mom myself, but all of my mom friends seem to be opting for vaccination. One who works in the medical field, and is currently pregnant, said that when she got one of the extremely limited H1N1 vaccinations at her workplace, she felt like she'd won the lottery!
ReplyDeleteWell, I broke down and got one for Miles. I was looking at the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 online and saw that there were more than 400 confirmed (not suspected!) at schools within a mile or two of our house. Since he's in preschool with kids who have older siblings, I felt that the benefits outweighed the risks. I'm undecided about getting one for myself - maybe when I'm in the second or third trimester. I probably will end up doing it since I'm working in a Head Start and the kids are super germy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback, ladies! I really appreciate hearing your thoughts. I've been watching closely to see when we get some here in Seattle, as I am planning to vaccinate Dylan.
ReplyDeleteKristine, for the reasons you pointed out, I'm concerned about the kids Dylan comes in contact with every day, their older siblings, the other people they come in contact with, etc. I'm of the "better safe than sorry" mindset. Here's hoping we get some soon!