H1N1 Vac. -- How Safe Is It?

60 minutes did ANOTHER story on this yesterday. Please google it and watch it. VERY interesting information.

And to another poster, Dr. Oz is planning on getting the swine flu shot. He got the regular flu shot on his shot and said that when the swine flut shot becomes available he will get that. Is this in writing somewhere?

Re: Guillen Barre syndrome - 400 people got that from over millions of shots received. Yes it is a terrible thing if you are one of the 400, BUT it is such a small percentage out of the many who got the vax.

Yes only 1% of the people who get the swine flu have any complications from it, but IF you are that 1% or have ANY breathing/respiratory issues, I would recommend getting it.

My pediatrician recommended it for my 12 month old daughter-she received her first H1N1 shot a week ago and had no side effects. The pediatrician said that he confirmed with a infectious disease control doctor friend of his who confirmed it is safe. When it becomes more publicly available, my husband and I will also get it.

I haven't heard about pediatricians who are against it. I spoke to an infectious disease doctor who is an avid supporter of us all getting the shot. Have you actually spoken to a pediatrician who is against it? Or just heard that they exist? Will be interested to hear the other's responses

The great flu shot debate...here's my 2 cents...

This is not regular seasonal flu, it is a new strain that our kiddos have not run across before. They have no antibodies to this strain. Skip the seasonal if you want to, but get the H1N1. This virus is taking out healthy kids and young adults, sure some of them have underlying health issues (asthma, for example), but some were healthy before they were hit. Both of my kids have had the shot, as have I (asthma) and my husband (healthcare).

A previous poster stated that the flu shot is not recommended for pregnant women. Right idea, wrong info--the live attenuated vaccine (nasal mist) is not recommended for pregnant women, but the killed virus (shot) IS definitely recommended for pregnant women.

As for the thimerosal issue, we need to think about why it is in there at all. It is used as an antiseptic/preservative--why?--to prevent bacteria from growing the multi-use vials. The organisms that would grow in those vials is far more dangerous to have injected into your child than the tiny amount of preservative. The amount of mercury in this thimerosal is .001% to .01%, or 50 MICROgrams in a .5 ml dose. The amount of mercury in some tuna is as high as .5 ppm, enough to warn against eating a 6 oz serving more than 3x per month. The majority of kid vaccines are made without thimerosal these days, with the flu shot being one exception. You will get more mercury from your seafood dinner than from a vaccine.

Weigh the risks/consequences. Some are getting a mild strain of H1N1 (just like any other flu season), but those that are hit hard are hit really hard. The peak flu season in the US is usually late November through early March (not necessarily after trick or treating). We have a long season ahead of us, and I plan to go into it armed the best way I can--nutrition, hydration, vitamins, sleep, AND the vaccine--just another tool in the arsenal.

I would never in a million years get that shot or allow it to be given to my children. It is virtually untested, contains neurotoxins like mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde and countless other poisons. On top of that, flu shots don't even work. My aunt got the Swine Flu shot in 1976 during the last NON outbreak and not only dis she get sick anyway, she also developed Guillain Barre syndrome and has been paralyzed ever since. The nasal mist shots are horrible as well. They are live virus vaccines that can cross nasal membranes and enter the brains. Additionally, they cause viral shedding for 3 weeks and so all these kids getting the nasal mist spread the virus to everyone around them. This flu is nothing but media hysteria to sell useless and dangerous vaccines. Make sure your whole family takes vitamin D3, 5000-10,000 iu per day, during flu season. Most people are deficient and the people who get very sick or die from the flu are severely deficient. But don't expect the media to tell you that. It's cheap and you don't need a prescription.

On 60 Minutes last night, I caught a few minutes. The person whom they were interviewing was involved in overseeing the safety of the vaccine. He said that,10,000,000 people have had the vaccine and they have not been able to find ANY who had had worrisome side effects. They had had about 200 complaints, and these were mild -- soreness to the arm, some queasiness.

On the other hand, 19 children died of H1N1-related illness last week -- the biggest number in a single week in the US. 114 children have died from it this year. (A typical flu season results in 40-50 pediatric deaths.)

The best protection from H1N1 is the vaccine. At this point, I've known several people who have had the illness. All have recovered (as most will), but it is NOT FUN! My kids both had the vaccine (nasal) and had absolutely no side effects. They were casterboarding and running and playing tennis the next day. By vaccinating your child, you are also providing increased protection to your community.

So, look at the info on the CDC website, weighs the pros and cons, and make your choice. Good luck.

K., this is the million dollar question lately isn't it? We are hearing so much about vaccinations it is tough to know who to trust. I can't tell you what you should do, nor should anyone else, but I can tell you what I have done and will do from now on.

When I moved to LA in 2001, my then 6 year old daughter was starting grade 1, we had moved from Canada. The school would not accept her Canadian vaccination report so she was "re-vaccinated". The school would not accept her without them. My poor baby was subjected to 11 vaccinations in a period of 3 days. It was terrible. She cried, I cried, she threw up, I threw up, she was sore and achy and my heart broke knowing I did this to her. I didn't know what else to do. I just did what I was told.

In the last 7 years I have learned SOOOOOOO much. Since then, I have taken it upon myself to learn all that I can about the health of my family. I believe that our medical doctors take care of our sickness and we are responsible for our health. Vaccinations, to me, are part of that "sickness" industry. You see, injecting me or my family with a "dead form of the disease" so my body can make up the antibodies to protect me "just in case I get it" is just like saying to me now..."hey B., I am going to break your child's arm so that just in case your child breaks her arm her body will know how to heal it". Most people would say that is ludicrous but that is how I feel about vaccinations. It is just my opinion. I have done the research and I can say with all clarity, I truly believe that vaccinations are harmful to people. If you don’t think so, just ask Jenny Mccarthy.

I have been a family wellness coach for the 4 years. I know more about how to keep a body healthy than most doctors (they know how to treat sick bodies, but ask them to help you with proper diet and nutrition and most will say – “just eat from that guide thing - that will keep you healthy” - that is laughable)

My extensive training in health, nutrition and wellness has given me the confidence that when my 10 year old child brought home her vaccination request this year, I wrote in big bold letters with a fat Sharpie, "NO VACCINATIONS ALLOWED".

I will never again subject my children to the dangers of what the sickness industry calls "prevention". Prevention my butt. Prevention is taking vitamins and minerals to supplement our diet because our food supply is so depleted. Prevention is washing our hands (regularly) with a mild natural soap, sneezing into our sleeves, and covering our mouths when we cough - with our arm . Prevention is exercising regularly to keep our bodies and bones healthy and strong. Prevention is getting proper rest and relaxation. Prevention is eating right. Prevention is removing as much garbage from our diet as possible. Prevention is the key. I believe in education not medication.

K., it is your child and your decision, but I do urge you to educate yourself. Sure it is easy to trust your doctor, but know that over 200 000 people per year DIE from properly prescribed medication…yes I said PROPERLY PRESCRIBED MEDS. My goodness…when will it end?

Please feel free to contact me directly at ____@____.com

B.
Family Wellness Coach

Last night they had a special report on the swine flu on 60 minutes and, after watching it, I was no more comfortable with the info than I was prior to the report. They didn't interview Barbara Loe Fischer, head of the National Vaccine Information Center... In other words, it was a very one sided report. I also noticed that this was not a resource listed here at Mamasource. The thing that you need to take into account is that there's alot of convincing going on without solid research to back it up. They did mention that, according to a poll, 40% of the "at risk" population is opting out of getting the vaccine. Funny how they felt the need to do another piece on the swine flu after seeing those results. You should also know that the clinical research will not be completed until April 2010. Good luck to you in making your decision but remember there are natural alternatives in boosting your family's immune system, and isn't that what you should be focusing on anyway?

I have heard and read all the same stuff that others have posted. We have decided not to get the vaccination for this one.

From everyone that I have talked to or read about that has had Swine Flu, most say it's like a milder version of the flu. However, I am more proactive in taking my kids and myself to the doctors when we are sick. Before I wait out a 101 fever for a couple of days to see how it goes. Now I call in right away to the advice nurse and get an appointment.

Both my kids pediatrician and my doctor have recommended the Swine Flu vaccine. They also recommended the Influenza vaccine. But they do this every year. Both know that I tend to go the natural/homeopathic route. So while they recommend both vaccines for my family, neither really stressed it and said that we HAD to get it. My ped said that as long as I keep being proactive with our care (i.e. washing hands, sanitizing the house, covering our mouths when coughing, and calling in at the first sign of unusual symptoms) that he recommends the vaccine, but isnt mandating that we get it.

There were 5 kids that I know of that have been "diagnosed" with H1N1. All 5 of the kids were "diagnosed" over the phone. Their symptoms included 101 fever, some vomiting, and lethargy. None of the kids were actually tested for it. I think a lot of doctors are just being over cautious and instead of actually testing everyone, they are assuming that anyone with even the slightest of flu symptoms has H1N1.

My best friends ped's advice nurse went so far as to say that "the only flu virus going around right now is H1N1" and that "everyone with flu like symptoms has H1N1 because the regular flu season has not hit yet". Ummmmm....hello, you can get the regular flu, stomach flu, severe cold, bronchitis, or pneumonia at any time of the year.

My best friends son was "diagnosed" with H1N1 from this same ped and nurse two days ago because he had a 101 fever and no other symptoms. The following day he vomited a couple of times and his fever rose to 104.5. The next morning he was totally symptom free. No fever, nothing. Is that H1N1? Crazy.

So just do your research, and do what you think is best for your family. For my family, we will not be getting either the regular flu or the swine flu vaccination.

It is crazy how many pediatrician's are for it and how many are against the vaccine. I have a 20 month old and my pediatrician recommended her not getting it for the following reasons: Studies on the vaccines are limited. He would not give it to his children. Even at the preschool that she will attend when she turns 2 are not suggesting or requiring they get the vaccination. I think its really personal preference. I will not get the shot either.

Good luck with making your decision! Let us know what you decide.

A.

K. K

Your concerns are warranted, however I firmly believe what my family doctor told me. He was also my three (now grown) children's pediatrician and he told me that "it was better to allow children to catch the disease, than to introduce the disease." It worked out for the best with my daughter, she got chicken pox's and never got it again. Evan as an adult, she has no problems. I allowed all three of my children to get their childhood diseases and their immunities are still going strong.

This H1N1 is very scary, but in the same respect it has many of the same statistics as all other childhood diseases. It is important to take these statistics for what they are.They are just an average calculated for the benefit of the population as a whole. The government is making every attempt to keep all of the population disease free, but (in my opinion) this is not always possible.

Again, these opinions are based on my own personal experience and speaking to a medical professional when my children were little. All three of my children are now grown and have families of their own and all are very healthy, unless genetics is taken into account. By genetics I refer to genetic problems that are in a parents family history. Children are all different and their health is a big interest to all parents, whether our children are young or old their health will always be an issue for all of us as parents (moms, dads).

I hope this helps, and as I said this is what I was told as a new mother, and after a while an experienced mother. I am now a grandmother and great grandmother and very happy that they are all healthy and in most cases happy (not counting experiences and genetics).

Hi K.,

My husband is in the wellness care business and our own two girls see a naturopath pediatrician. In short, we are against vaccines that are not necessary of any kind. Swine flu is just like any other flu. So much scare tactic going on and lots of money are being made by pharmaceuticals to make our kids the guinea pigs. Did you know that this vaccine contains "thimerosal"? Look it up. Thimerosal is an ingredient in radiator fluid. They use it to be able to store and transport the vaccine longer. We've looked up the shareholders for this vaccine - who makes the money - and it lead us to one Donald Rumsfeld. No, I recommend not giving it to your child. I don't think it's safe at all.

Google Dr. Mercola.com .......he has several interesting studies done, along with an interview by a neurologist who was involved with the flu vaccines in the 1970's which caused severe problems for people.

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/news/swinefluhigha...

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/news/influenzaread...

There is more... try to read them all.

I like Pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon's writing on this topic. My 9 yr old son had the flu (not sure which flu A strain? B? h1n1? but ped thinks it was the flu) for a week. It hit him hard. Two weeks later, I got hit hard. Not the most fun thing in the world, but we are fine. I'm glad we were exposed and now have antibodies.

If you have an underlying medical condition, that's another story.

I am not a fan of giving myself or family unnecessary vaccines. This one is no different to me.

I think we are all in the same dilemma. My pediatrician also recommended it but there are some things that we should take into account before the final decision. I personally think that my kids have a strong immune system that even in the case they get the flu we can deal with it safely. On the other hand if you see really the cases of people that have died, most of them die from a co-existing bacterial infection cause by a staphylococcus auros which is very resistant to antibiotics and its commonly found in the skin and nose. If you want more information besides the government official sites or the CDC, Dr. Mercola at mercola.com has very valuable information about that. Once you read all the information available take your decision. In the meantime please moms get rid of all the candy from halloween!!!!! Sugar is the number one suppressor of the immune system, that's why the flu and cold season peak is after trick or treat. Not to mention the visits to the dentist. Additionally you can increase the amount of vitamin D and C, make sure they sleep the appropriate number of hours they require for their age. At my natural market I found this wonderful gummy vitamin D (400mrgs) that my kids love. Hope we are all safe, but the most important thing is not to panic and take and informed action.

Good luck

Hi K.,
I gave my son the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 flu mist. I'm getting both also. If there was more time, H1N1 would have been included in the regular seasonal shot and there would be no debate. Thousands of people die every year from seasonal flu - but the media doesn't talk about that. Thousands of people will die from H1N1 also but the media is playing on everyone's fears and making it worse and confusing people. Getting the vaccine helps prevent many of these deaths. Check out the website for the Center for Disease Control. They will have the most accurate information. It will help you make an informed decision.

here's the scoop that no one really speaks about. i'll take the science and translate it. this flu is different from regular seasonl flu. very very different. its hitting healthy people with strong immune systems because this particular flu attacks your immune system and your system resonds with an overaction. it goes nuts so to speak. this doesn't happen with other flu. its the going nuts part which is most dangerous and is what causes the pneumonia and complications. this flu is potentially way way more dangerous than any other flu we've seen (unless you're elderly and have seen more). I think people are nuts to NOT get the vaccine. don't get regular seasonal flu vaccine if you want, no worries. but this one, get your kids vaccinated. its for real. there is all this talk of goverment conspiracy, etc. i get that, I'm not very trustworthy of goverment either. but maybe, just maybe, think about the possibility that the goverment might actually be trying to help us this time. just maybe....

Very touchy topic. Yet quite confusing. I am a mom of a 3 month old, returning to work. I work in Labor & Delivery so I am front line for this type of flu. I asked 3 physicians about the H1N1 vaccine and they all suggested it. Although, my PCP told me to wait about 6 weeks and see if anyone had reactions from it. Such as hearing it from the news/media. My daughter's ped is a specialist in diseases and highly recommended for my husband & I to get it because my daughter is under 6 months old. Have you ever received a seasonal flu shot? If so, you need to remember that every year it is a new flu strain. So you really don't know how you will react from it. It is the same situation with the H1N1. Only thing is that the mist is a weak live virus and the injection (which I received) is non-preservative and takes about 2 weeks to build immunity. It is a personal decision. One thing that would help is if people who are sick with a cold or flu, need to stay home. This is how things pass around. There is a new policy at the hospital where I work. We need to stay home if we are sick. We will not be allowed to work. And if we come in contact with a patient with swine we have to monitor our symptoms for 5-7 days. Kinda scary with my 3 month old. This having to stay home if sick will be affecting health care in hospitals. But people need to stay home if sick!!! Good Luck!

vaccine is very safe, if you donot immunize your children it is more dangerous if they get the virus, they may have a genetic disposition to have virus be fatal
immunize your child

Any vaccine is a calculated risk. Do you feel that the potential benefits of the vaccine outweigh the damages that the H1N1 virus would cause if someone in your family contracted it? Personally, I think people tend to overreact about vaccinations, but it's understandable that people are concerned about things that are injected into their body. I'm planning on vaccinating myself and my son who has had chronic breathing issues (bronchitis, asthma) for several years. Ultimately, this decision is going to have to be made between you and your family.

I work as a health care professional and I vaccinated my 9 month old and myself. I talked to several pediatricians and MDs and they are all having their own kids vaccinated. There's always a small risk in whatever med or vaccine you give your child, but almost always the benefits outweigh the risk. I know it's a hard decision to make , I struggled with it too. I am just telling you what I decided and why. Good luck making a decision, and once you have made it try not to worry.

Get the Vaccine! All 4 of my children have gotten it with no side effects. Better safe than sorry!

On 60 Minutes last night they interviewed the manufacturer of the vaccine. You could probably watch the report again on the internet. They said that out of the 1st batch of 10 million vaccines, there has been only minor side effects, minor arm pain (where the shot went in), some minor body aches, and some minor stomach pain. Out of 10 million shots, not one major side effect. I would have to say that sounds prety safe. But be your own judge. You have to do what you feel is right in your heart. The report was very informative and it heled me to make up my mind. Try to see it!

Hey K.,
May I suggest that next time you go to the doctor that you request the sheet that comes with the shot from the pharmaceutical company. If you read through it carefully, you will find that the shot is NOT recommended to nursing and pregnant women. Unfortunately, there is a huge discrepancy in the information that is sent out by the AMA versus the pharma companies. Also, the shot has only been out for a couple of months and if you read the potential side effects, they are quite scary. This info is also on the sheet. In fact, you can even google reported side effects from the vaccine on the internet and you will discover that those who had the vaccine had a far worse reaction than those who actually contracted the swine flu. We had a group of our friends who got it recently, and they said it was nothing. They even said that it was easier to bare then the actual flu itself.
Also, there is a lot of you can do to keep your immune system up. Drink plenty of water, avoid sugar, take your prenatals, get plenty of rest, wash your hands often, and get your exercise.