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H1N1 Vaccine

All the talk on the news suggests that the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine is almost here. Based on the information from the CDC, just about everyone should be vaccinated including pregnant women and young children. There are also reports that there is widespread H1N1 activity in half of the country (including the DC area). There was a recent report that a middle school student in Baltimore City died from the swine flu and that she had no underlying health concerns.

Why them am I so ambivalent about getting the vaccination? Truthfully, I am skeptical about the true severity of this flu. The regular flu kills upwards of 30,000 people each year in the US and I don't see anything so far to make me more worried about this flu than I am about the regular flu.

I have never received a seasonal flu vaccine but I have always made sure that my kids were vaccinated. This time i'm not even sure about that.

One of my concerns is that because the vaccine is so new I am not convinced of its safety. However, I am also afraid that I am going to be putting my kids at risk if they don't get it. I feel that there are significant risks either way.

I know I need to make a decision quickly. For myself, I will probably pass and take my chances with the flu. However, for my kids I just don't know what to do.

What are your thoughts?

Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh

EOP Real Estate, LLC

www.staceybaugh.com

staceyannbaugh@gmail.com

240-481-3565 (C)

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EOP Real Estate, LLC

Posted by Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh on 10/04/2009 08:40 AM

Comments (13)

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13 Comments on H1N1 Vaccine

OCT

You are not the only one with concerns...some people are convinced that any vaccine developed that quickly can't be good...On the other hand...if a good vaccine CAN be developed that quickly...what does that say about all the diseases, vaccines, cures that COULD be developed that have been "researched" for decades with no results...it IS about the money...

satcey, I never took flu shot my entire life, but allowed my child to take it. How ever I have concerns too about this h1n1 vaccine. I haven't decided yet. Even if you take flu vaccine, it doesn't guarentee that you will not get it. So , I don't know what I'll do. Probably will allow my kid to take.

Stacey Ann,

Many times in life we have to rely on experts to help guide us to a decision. While medical researchers are sometimes wrong, they're more often right when it comes to matters like these.

For world governments to be this concerned about H1N1, I'm going to get the vaccine when it becomes available.

Rich

Stacey,

I am leaning your direction. I have seen these fears be overblown too many times. In the 70's more people were killed by the vaccine than the flue. If there is a massive out break we can stay home for a couple weeks if need be.

Stacey,

I am pregnant, and will not be getting it, or the regular flu shot. I've been doing a lot of research lately on vaccnines and their ingredients, and am going to be very careful about which ones I take or have given to my children [I have found a pediatrician that will order organic and mercury-free vaccines, and give seperate shots instead of combos, but that's not the normal practice].

If your kids are school-age, I'm not sure what to tell you. Will it cause them problems with grades or attendence to keep them home if there's an outbreak? Same with daycare and younger children - will you have to send them to be able to work? If so, and there's a good chance of them being around infected kids, it migth be worth asking your doctor if there's any safer version of the vaccine that's been approved or tested. If not, and and you can keep them away from areas with lots of people in flu season, it may be worth doing that and giving them reminders on basic hygeine for flue season - keeping hands off their face & out of their mouths, frequent handwashing, not sharing drinks, etc. Also, just making sure they get enough rest and eat healthy food with plenty of vitamin C is supposed to boost immunity some.

I have not taken a flu shot in years * I don't have kids or gkids, I RARELY shake hands and don't sneeze on people....I agree that basic hygeine is the key

H1N1 is running rampent here in Idaho; however most people I know that have had it (including my 15 year old son) have exerienced symptoms less than that of the regular flu.

Our numbers are under reported since it costs about $300 for the additional test to confirm it is H1N1 vs. Influenza and the treatment is Tamaflu either way.

I personally wouldn't worry about getting vaccinated unless you or someone in your immediate contact sphere is high risk.

Supposedly, swine flu (apologies to all you hog farmers out there) is running rampant at the University of MD (our backyard) but I feel fine. (OK, I'm a little grumpy but otherwise...). I think this swine flu thing, like the bird flu thing before it, it something the media can latch onto when it's a slow day. I haven't had a flu shot of any kind in years and I feel fine.

Stacey-Ann, I quoted your blog (this one) in one of my own:

SWINE FLU -- Everything Old is New Again

Please feel free to stop by and read, and hopefully post your comment!

OCT

I have never taken a flu shot as an adult myself or given it to my kids. I was part of the massive vaccination effort in the late 70's and have a friend who still suffers today from the after effects of that vaccination. I think we will take our chances at the flu rather than the vaccine but I am still not sure.

OCT

No vaccine for me, thanks! Best regards in making those important decisions!

OCT

I have been contemplating this myself. I am not so worried about myself, but more so for my children. Is it safe? Do we know? Too many questions, and when there is this much media hype, it makes me all that more nervous about rushing my decision.

I recently read on the CDC website that kids under 9 need 2 shots. Some of the local pediatric offices aren't even offering it. I am passing for myself and kids. I will do the regular flu shot. Good luck with your decision.

Amy

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