[Stormster]

I really don't want to start a debate here. I just hope that the decision not to vax is based on real info. I saw on another thread that their are not concerned because their child does not have respiratory problems or other compromising health issues:

This is from the CDC site. This is the foremost body of wisdom on the subject. At least read it? THEY ARE NOT MAKING THIS UP.

Will the benefits of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines outweigh the risks? Is this something I should talk to my healthcare provider about?
Currently the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”) virus seems to be causing serious health outcomes for:

1. healthy young people from birth through age 24;
2. pregnant women; and
3. adults 25 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions.

You can read more about it here:

CDC H1N1 Flu | General Questions and Answers on 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Safety

Please make your decision after knowing the facts! I see that the fact that people don't realize healthy babies/toddlers/young adults have DIED shows I'm not wrong in posting this.

Thanks and whatever you decide to do after this is none of my business. But I feel it is right to share the truth about H1N1 since obviously some don't know the facts.

If you have a specific question PM me and I'll direct it to my sister who is very worried about mis information (what she calls "Twitter info" and is an expert in pediatric epidemiology. I told her how many people I know were not vaxxing and she said this is a real public health problem.

[shy_bear]

You have more faith in our government than I do!! When the gov. forced military member so get the Anthrax vaccine post 9/11 it was considered safe. They were required to get a series of vaccines; the gov. ended up stalling the program b/c there were numerous military members who were getting adverse side effects from the safe vaccine.
I know that my kids are not 100% safe, but then are they really 100% from anything! Yes people have died from H1N1, but MANY people have had it and lived through it. SO why would I put into my child's body a vaccine that could cause just as much if not more damage to them. I can't recall the name of the syndrome that some people developed from the vaccine in the 70's, does anyone know what it is???
Have they done any research on the vaccine in kids?
The majority of people I know, family, neighbors, play group moms, are NOT getting the vaccine for their kids.

[Stormster]

I am happy to ask re: research in kids. I think it's important to at least find out!

Also my sister is one of the chief researchers on this vaccine and I really really do trust her.

[midnighttang]

The syndrome is Guillain-Barre. It's a neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. It usually begins with numbness and tingling in the lower extremities and progresses upwards leading to varying levels of paralysis. It can be life threatening, but in most cases it resolves over time. This could mean a few weeks or a few years. The severity of symptoms can sometimes be reduced with treatment. The cause is unknown, but it has been linked with viral or bacterial infections and also with the seasonal flu vaccine, meningococcal vaccine and the original swine flu vaccine from the 70's.
I work in the neurology floor of a large hospital and we see Guillain-Barre cases throughout the year, seemingly unrelated to any variety of vaccine. It seems to be a very rare occurance related to vaccines. That being said, one of the screening questions at my hospital for giving the flu vaccine is "Have you had Guillain Barre?" A "yes" results in you being denied the flu vaccine. Many of the nurses I work with are scared to death of getting it and had refused to get the flu vaccine, until last year when our hospital made it mandatory. There was a huge outcry, but most of them did get the vaccine.
I get my flu shot every year, but I question how much good it really does, because you are always vaccinating for the previous year's strain. I do it anyway, because I think you're better safe than sorry. As for the swine flu vaccine, I think I'll give it a few weeks and see what happens. I'll wash my hands a lot and wear a mask around those with flu symptoms. Maybe it's not logical, but paralysis of any severity does not sound fun to me.

[Stormster]

Will there be a possibility of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases following the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disease in which the body damages its own nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. It is not fully understood why some people develop GBS, but it is believed that stimulation of the body’s immune system may play a role in its development. Infection with the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni, which can cause diarrhea, is one of the most common risk factors for GBS. People can also develop GBS after having the flu or other infections (such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus). On very rare occasions, they may develop GBS in the days or weeks following receiving a vaccination.
In 1976, there was a small risk of GBS following influenza (swine flu) vaccination (approximately 1 additional case per 100,000 people who received the swine flu vaccine). That number of GBS cases was slightly higher than what is normally seen in the population, whether or not people were vaccinated. Since then, numerous studies have been done to evaluate if other flu vaccines were associated with GBS. In most studies, no association was found, but two studies suggested that approximately 1 additional person out of 1 million vaccinated people may be at risk for GBS associated with the seasonal influenza vaccine. FDA and CDC will be closely monitoring reports of serious problems following the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines, including GBS.

[binkybear]

I'm guessing there are plenty here who trust their own doctors and their own research. Research that may not easily be provided on government links yet still based in fact.

Our family's pediatrician IS NOT pushing this vaccine and told us before she gives to us she will let us know when she is giving to her own triplets. She's 200% pro vaccine (much much more than I am...and I am indeed on board with vaccines). I trust *her* as she's worked on the other side in development. She's a stickler with where she gets her vaccines, how they're stored before and in her posession, how she administers and in this case how this particular vaccine is being rushed and what did in fact occur in the 70's.

[midnighttang]

I agree that the cases of GBS are rare and the cause is not really known, but I'm a paranoid kinda gal. It is very easy to become paranoid about those sorts of things when you are surrounded by sick people. If I had a child, my choices might be different in relation to their health and well being, particularly if they were in daycare or going to school. If I had a child, I would definitely be taking the advice of their pediatrician. I think this is one of those personal decisions everyone has to make for themselves, with the help of their doctor.

[portlowski]

Storm...I know you didn't want to create a stir but people seem very emotional regarding this issue.

I lived have spent quite a bit of time in Central America a volunteer and seen first hand what happens when people are not immunized. I know not every vaccine is 100% safe. But children really truly do die every day all over the world from influenza and other easily preventable diseases. I live in a large city and my son is in 3 seperate classes where kids come into contact with one another. He recently started gymnasitcs and they told us that 600 kids a DAY use the facility. They keep it clean but he is rolling around on mats and playing on equipment that 600 other kids have touched. For me, it is a no-brainer.

[angelkisses0102]

Storm I think you posted a link that listed the specifics of all of the pediatric deaths directly related to H1N1...could you post that here? It was eye opening and I wanted to share it elsewhere but couldn't find it.

Thanks!

Also, our pedi was putting a call into the CDC regarding this...but maybe you/your sister know the answer. I feel both kids were already exposed to H1N1...is there a way to test for that?

Also, what, if any, danger is there in receiving the H1N1 vaccine if you were already exposed/sick?

I am planning on giving them the shots (no mist) since DS is immunocompromised...both already had the regular flu ones.

ETA~I am still vaccinating my kiddos even though I truly believe that DS's juvenile rheumatiod arthritis was triggered by his 4 year old vaccines.

[yehudit]

I go back and forth on this one, Storm. Of course I want to protect my kids, and I do believe in immunizing in general. Also I work at CDC as a contractor in the chronic disease/health promotion center, but I have absolutely nothing to do with vaccine development or infectious illnesses. This is purely my opinion and does not reflect CDC in any way.

I believe CDC and affiliates are doing everything they can to come up with a vaccine that is effective and safe. After all, H1N1 affects their families, too. And as the CDC director points out, H1N1 is another strain of the flu and can be retrofitted to the flu vaccine they use every year usuing different strains.

To me, it's fear but it's legitimate (if unfounded) fear and it's twofold: there were serious complications from the swine flu vaccine they used in the 70s, and this vaccine is brand new and long-term effects are unknown. I'm leaning toward vaccinating both kids, but I'll be honest that it makes me nervous. I'm going to wait and see what the data say. Unltimately I will probably put my trust into people who know more than me and understand that anything we put into our bodies involves some level of trust.

Good luck,

[Stormster]

Please anyone with a specific question PM me! I PROMISE i don't mean to be pushy I just feel like there are scientists who have more info than we do and we should at the very least know what they know before making such an important decision.

I will ask her tonight for sure AK.

[ocracoke]

My daughter has already had H1N1 so I have no intentions of vaccinating her. My mom has had H1N1. Somehow it managed to skip right over me. My mom, who is a nurse in a pediatric specialty clinic and very pro vaccine (and pushes me every year to have the seasonal flu shot) said that she would absolutely NOT suggest that either my daughter or I have the H1N1 vaccine. It is a very personal decision and it would be wise for everyone do their research and make their own decision. Make the decision you are comfortable with for your family.

Samantha

[binkybear]

Another point our pediatrician made to us was that every single vaccine contains a preservative, that's fact. She's not at all now and never has been concerned with mercury although that is itself a hot topic (her words were you'd get more from a can of tuna fish). BUT (what I was trying to remember when typing out my first post and just couldn't) she is very concerned about the use of "squalene" in this vaccine.

If you're unfamiliar with research may help. Some one else, either in this thread or the other mentioned the Anthrax vaccine. Gulf War Syndrome, auto immune, squalene searches all produce various articles. I did not take this info to our doctor, she posed her concern giving me the name of the additive....and again becuase of her background I do trust her.

[Stormster]

Binky this is only partially true. Yet another reason to go to experts. See below re: preservatives (it's just about facts kwim?)

The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines that FDA is licensing (approving) will be manufactured in several formulations. Some will come in multi-dose vials and will contain thimerosal as a preservative. Multi-dose vials of seasonal influenza vaccine also contain thimerosal to prevent potential contamination after the vial is opened. Some 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines will be available in single-dose units, which will not require the use of thimerosal as a preservative. In addition, the live-attenuated version of the vaccine, which is administered intranasally (through the nose), is produced in single-units and will not contain thimerosal. For more information on thimerosal.

[gigigeorge]

My son just got over H1N1 (he was barely sick for 3 days with fever but tested positive for H1N1 at the Drs) and the vaccine isnt even available yet.