H1N1 Vaccine - Marietta,GA

Hi M.,
Unless you have a child who is severely immune compromised or has severe asthma, you have no worries. Children are beating this strain easier and faster than the typical Infl type A. The risks of vaccination (with a very untested drug) are far greater than the risk of problems with the flu.
Additionally, the adjuvant used in this vaccine has also not been approved by the FDA. It was rushed thru the emergency act, and thus not approved in the same channels.
Best of luck in decision, J.

My personal thoughts are to NOT get the shot. It contains Thymerosol, which is Mercury. There have only been a select few samples tested, so it is not widely known of the effects. If more people around you are getting vaccinated, then you serve a better chance of not getting the flu anyway.

My husband and I got the shot , but haven't been able to get one for our son yet. I think some people have caused us all to worry over this, when reality is if you can get it you should!

I got the shot and am a strong believer in all vaccinations. You should definitely get the vaccine and get it for your children too. you can get the mercury free shots if that concerns you. I think it is selfish to just expect everyone around you to get vaccinated in order to protect yourself. I would get my son the vaccine too if he wasn't allergic to eggs. As a nurse on a medical floor I have seen planty of cases of the H1N1 flu and a lot of really sick, young people. I recommend getting the shot.

I was really concerned bout it as well. I have never had a flu shot before but have a 19 month old who has egg allergies and i am preggo again, so i got both this time. I understand that h1n1 is made just the same as the seasonal flu so i felt a litte better. Because we are traveling by plane after christmas i even had my 19 month old tested at the allergist for the shot, she was acually able to get it, so we did. I just felt irresponsible taking her on a plane and not trying to get it for her. It is a hard decision, good luck : )

Hi there!
I have a unique perspective as an RN working in the research field (new drugs and devices). This vaccine is made exactly the same way as all the other flu vaccines ever made. There is no reason to question its effectiveness or safety unless you are opposed to vaccines in general. There are thimerosol free varieties available. Personally I would prefer the shot to the flu mist because flu mist (the one they spray into your nose) is made with a weakened but still live virus. The shot containes a dead virus. It is possible to "get the flu" from flu mist- albeit a small chance and much less symptoms than if you actually caught the full live virus. It is not possible to get the flu with the shot.
Hope this helps!

I too had/have concerns. After speaking to a few physicians and reading comments from the AAP, I went ahead and got the shot for my girls. The target range for the shot/nasal mist according to our pediatrician was 6 mths to 4 years. My girls are 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 and the 3 year old brings illness home from preschool all the time. Good luck, it's not an easy decision.