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12/25/09 7:27 P

I agonized over whether to get my 14-year-old daughter vaccinated, but as she has both asthma and epilepsy, and as my doctor (who is usually fairly slow to recommend new things) STRONGLY recommended it for her, we went ahead and got it. She has had no problems with the vaccine (she had the shot, could not get the nasal spray as the spray is the live virus), and there was nothing on the warning paper that they gave me that mentioned seizure issues (which I would have been informed of as my daughter has them). To be honest with you, the newer tetanus vaccine can lower seizure thresholds in those prone to them, so I honestly don't think the seizure risk is all that high. BTW, my hubby also got the shot because he has asthma and diabetes and he also had no trouble (other than a bit of soreness at the injection site).

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12/23/09 10:03 A

Im confused about all this too, they offered this at my 5 year olds school. I signed the form and sent it in and then a few days later someone was telling me stories about kids getting it and getting sezures etc. So now Im freaked out.

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12/15/09 10:10 A

We were nervous about letting our son get the H1N1 vaccine. So I just weighed the risk vs reward. In the end we went ahead and let him get it. It's worked great..no side effects and no swine flu.

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12/11/09 4:01 A

No, I don't really trust it.

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12/10/09 6:56 P

Nay.. not enough testing has been done on it.. My children do not have any underlying medical conditions that would put them at risk of death, and I just heard on the news today that H1N1 is the weakest pandemic outbreak... I think most of the hype about it had to do with Obama wanting to pass his healthcare plan..Funny how they both "arrived on the scene" at just about the same time.. Coincidence? I think not.. Flu virus kills people every year, year after year, and yet you don't hear as much about it as you did this year.. even my father's doctor said to wait to get the shot..she didn't trust it either...

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12/10/09 10:23 A

We all got our shots. I'd never forgive myself if she'd got H1N1 and died... I know it's worst case, but I needed to do whatever I could to protect my family.

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12/6/09 9:01 P

I signed my son up through the school because he has a medicine-controlled diagnosis of asthma. With all the news stories about kids with underlying conditions, I just didn't want to risk it. My daughter, husband and I are NOT getting the vaccine, though.

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12/6/09 7:01 P

For my son at first it was nay, but after reading about so many children dying from H1N1 over the past months it has now changed you Yea. His school is offering free vaccines and I signed him up.

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12/5/09 11:00 P

Yes to the vaccine especially if you have small children or are around the elderly.

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12/5/09 8:56 P

IF YOU STILL HAVENT GOT YOUR H1N1 YET AND WANT IT, YOU MAY WANNA CHECK BACK WITH THE CLINIC. MY HUSBAND AND I COULDNT GET ONE BEFORE, BUT NOW JUST YESTERDAY WE WERE ABLE TO GET OURS.

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12/5/09 8:50 P

I say yes to the H1N1, my children got theirs about 2 months ago, we went to our local clinic. however they would not give one to my husband and I due to our age group, I keept checking back with them and what do you know, Yesterday we were able to go get our shot. now that its open for anyone. we avoided the long lines and even though we have no medical we were still able to get our shots no problem.

they told me that with my severe asthma I could not get the nasil one but the shot was ok.

My sister in law has the H1N1 and let me tell you its not pretty. she has no energy and aches all the time.

My suggestion is to check with your local clinics and when you find one that still has the shots GO GET IT..... BETTER SAFE THEN SORRY

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12/3/09 9:17 P

My eldest ended up with the H1N1 flu... NOT fun at all! She was struggling with a high fever for a week. Congested lungs, and horrible cough. She was lethargic, and defiantly not herself. My youngest got her H1N1 shot at school while her big sister was home sick. Hubby and I managed not to get it.... Biggest difference between the two flus is that H1N1 hits the lungs really, really hard. If I could have gotten the shots earlier, I would have... to avoid a couple of weeks of horrible sickness.

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12/3/09 3:17 P

YES for the whole family. I work in a hospital, so I hear a lot of the real medical stuff going on with H1N1. The news made a big deal in the beginning about the OLD formula and I think a lot of people think it's the same flu formula being given now and it's not. This iss the same formula that the regular flu is being given with. Regular adults are sick with it for 10+ days, that on the couch days, not recovery days. I've seen the pediatric department fill to capacity and over flow. I've seen parents go without sleep for days at a time. If you are sure that you and no one you know and/or love has any underlying health issues, such as asthmea or recovering from a major health event or surgery than a little pinch and some additives (included in all shots you get) might not be worth it and the 10+ days of feeling awful a decent alternative. This is also the first round, back to school time. "They" expect another round when the regular flu season arrives. That's my two cents on the subject.

Edited by: JJ-PDX at: 12/3/2009 (15:19)

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12/3/09 9:13 A

Nay for me!

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11/29/09 11:57 A

My boys got it at school. I got mine at work- I work in a family practice office so lots of exposure to things. My husband can't get it- not available for adults in my county.

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11/29/09 6:36 A

Nay for us.

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11/28/09 6:38 P

It's a NAY for us. We are just eating lots of fruits and veggies and taking extra vitamins to build up our immune systems - and using a lot of hand sanitizer.

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11/26/09 3:40 P

It's a NO for me and my family. I believe if we take good care of ourselves, our bodies are able to fight these things off on their own, and I'd rather build up a natural immunity. Viruses are always mutating, I think vaccines are just making stronger and more resistant strains. I am not so easily scared by the media hype, H1N1 was boosted so quickly to level 6 pandemic I don't trust that it is as bad as the authorities are making it out to be and wonder what the adgenda is. Not that I think there is some giant conspiracy, but I think there are some who are making money hand over fist off our fear and uncertainty.

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11/24/09 12:45 P

I was wrong I just received mine at my job in a school!

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11/24/09 11:45 A

I have a dear friend who works in a pediatric office. She advised that the symptoms are much like the regular flu with H1N1. I have opted for no vax for flu this year for my family. We have in the past when my twins were much younger.

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11/24/09 11:40 A

My children have gotten their first round and the second round is coming in a few weeks. My husband got his due to his job but I probably will not be able to get one due to availability.

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11/24/09 3:58 A

My son had a reaction to the first flu shot he ever got so I've resisted it since.

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11/23/09 7:58 A

Nope. I've already had it (the swine flu)....seeing as how the government can't make up its mind on how susceptible children are...or aren't - I won't be vaccinating my children.

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11/23/09 7:28 A

Yea for us - my daughter has asthma but I would have gotten them vaccinated anyhow. Both of my kids got their 2nd H1N1 shot last week and I was so relieved especially after hearing daily updates from a friend whose normally healthy 20-year-old daughter was hospitalized with H1N1.

I got a seasonal flu shot and will get the H1N1 shot when it becomes available to healthy adults.

Edited by: LASKNITS21 at: 11/23/2009 (07:29)

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11/22/09 5:45 P

Yea for my boys....its not available for me or hubby yet. I wish it were!

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11/22/09 3:41 P

My daughter will be getting it next week.
I am not in a high-risk group, so I will get it when it is available to the general population (I live in France and the state controls the immunization effort).

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11/21/09 10:10 P

Yea, I have twins with special needs and I was told it wasn't an option for my family, it was a requirement. So I did what I was told. :)

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11/21/09 4:42 P

I say yea, my daughter and I got it last month, but now she's due for the booster and it's out all over! It's a big hassle, but worth it for the peace of mind.

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11/21/09 11:34 A

Nay!

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11/20/09 2:58 P

not for my family!

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11/19/09 10:23 P

Nay. The vaccine isn't available in my area and looks like it won't be any time soon, so we'll be taking the natural approach to flu protection. :)

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11/19/09 8:35 P

Nay, its not for us at all. I am still alittle worried about even after researching it. It is just crazy to me that they manufactured it so quickly without testing it for a To each their own though. Everyone is different. Wishing everyone a great weekend.

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11/19/09 7:03 A

Not for us.

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11/18/09 5:22 P

I got the vaccine on Monday. I work in a health clinic and we're really pushing for people to get it if they have kids or are at high risk. Just make sure you look into what you're getting - there is a live and an inactivated(not live) version. Good luck this flu season everyone!

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11/17/09 10:16 P

QJ - you're right, and we ended up getting the kids immunized. Took 90 mins, but they got the nasal spray and not the shots. My daughter giggled, my son had a harder time than if he'd gotten the shot! Now we have to figure out when and where to get the booster... sigh. Have a great week!

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11/17/09 6:45 P

My family all got ours! I was very against it at first and i researched and i felt in the end it was the best thing to do to get it. I think no matter what people do they should feel good about their decision and people should not make them feel bad about it. I also think people should make sure the info they get is from a credible source beacause there is alot of info out their that is not true.

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11/13/09 2:31 P

Our school's clinic is Sunday - I'm usually such a proponent of immunizations, but I'm so on the fence. I can't get one (too healthy!) but if I have my kids done, my son would need the booster... and that doesn't mean no seasonal flu... I know several people that have had H1N1 and said it was "the flu" meaning it was no worse. What to do... even my pediatrician's office mgr was wishy-washy about it!

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11/11/09 2:09 P

Nay for us.

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11/11/09 10:56 A

Yea, my son got one due to having a serious medical condition, he has to get the booster in Dec. He has a very compromised immune system and has had no reaction to it.

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11/11/09 1:25 A

Never for me and my kids.

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11/10/09 11:09 P

Yes, protect yourself.

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11/10/09 10:17 P

Nay.

Not a fan of vaccines in the first place...

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11/10/09 5:44 P

Yes I got it as well as both my sons

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11/9/09 10:59 A

I hope to get both my kids vaccinated - they're 4 and 2 years old. My pediatrician was able to get some vaccine and my 2 year old received the shot, but because of the limited supply they had, they were only giving it to children 3 and under and older kids with underlying conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Hopefully my 4 year old will get one soon. I doubt I will get one myself since I'm not in a high risk category.

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11/8/09 11:36 P

My son and I both had ours. No side effects or anything. I think that even if I were to get it it wont be as bad if I didnt have the shot. I would recommend it!

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11/8/09 7:40 A

Yes, yes, and yes...I work with cancer patients so I had to have it. My youngest is allergic to eggs so she couldn't get it. My two oldest had both as well. My youngest did bring home the flu. She was sicker than she's ever been before. No one else in the house got it and we spared no hugs or kisses :)

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11/6/09 4:26 P

my husband was able to receive a flu shot through work...however there are no vaccines available for my boys(4 and 7)whats up with that? It doesn't make any sense. My boys and I both had just the regular flu last year and my youngest was almost hospitalized..in my small town...its not even about the H1N1 vaccine...it is just about whether or not we will be able to receive the regular flu shot. Its ridiculous that just because I live in a small town my children have to suffer because of it. My youngest falls under the high risk category. He struggles with asthma as it is. I am a preschool teacher so I am constantly around children sneezing, coughing etc. on me. So, unfortunately, I guess I can't even give a "yea or nay" because its not even available where I live.

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11/6/09 2:57 P

Not for me - I am not in a critical age for it - so I will have the usual regular flu shot

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11/6/09 2:36 P

I am not planning on getting one, but my circumstance generally does not put me in high risk situations. I use hand sanitizer like crazy! I also wash my hands a lot.

Also, I agree with SHANNJ77. I think children and people in contact with groups of children or the elderly should go ahead and get vaccinated... if they can. Not only for their benefit, but for the benefit of those they come in contact with.

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11/6/09 2:11 P

My kids are in daycare, and there have already been two confirmed cases there, so if our pediatrician's office is able to get it, then yes, they will be getting the vax, but I will not. I'd rather have more vax available for those that are at higher risk.

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11/4/09 11:18 A

At my age, it is recommended. I took the regular flu shot, so YEA to H1N1.

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11/4/09 6:48 A

Nay!

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11/1/09 11:42 A

I'd get one, ony the haystack is way too big.

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10/31/09 2:41 P

Yes for my kids

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10/31/09 12:01 P

Nay. It is not for us. After doing a lot of research on the H1N1 vaccine I can't see a reason to do it. Good luck with your decisions.

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10/29/09 3:09 P

nay...but i did get my seasonal shot though

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10/28/09 4:09 P

Yay - after a lengthy convo with our pediatrician I am all for it.

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10/27/09 6:17 P

People have to realize that there is NO big scam involved, it is an option of whether or not you are going to protect your children from what may be a fatal sickness. People have to stop feeling there is a conspiracy and realize that protecting urself and your children is the #1 thing to do. If you dont get the shot for ur children or yourself and any of you get sick and have a fatal outcome, you cannot go back in time to get the shot to protect yourselves. Think about your children and stop listening to all the myths that are being spead around.

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10/27/09 4:30 A

Nay - it was pushed too fast, hasn't been properly researched, and too many people profit from it's quick sale.

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10/26/09 4:07 P

Nope. I find it interesting that the virus is being pushed so hard and yet everyone that gets the vaccine will be shedding the virus for up to 21 days. It's almost like trying to spread the virus. We are not high risk. If we were, I might reconsider. God gave us an immune system for a reason. Getting shots now (at the start of the flu season) is, IMO, putting the cart before the horse. What you are doing is weakening your immune system at a time when it really needs to be at it's best. Get a lot of vitamin D and be sure to eat healthy. That's your best defense against any virus.

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10/26/09 3:57 P

All four of my kids are already vaccinated for H1N1. A little spray up their noses - no problem! Two of the four have already had the annual flu vaccine, the other two will go to the Dr. soon. If my kids get sick, I want to know I did everything I could to prevent it!

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10/26/09 11:51 A

My daughter and I are definatley getting the H1N1 Flu shot, we didnt get the seasonal as we never have, but I believe protecting my daughter is more important this time. There are too many kids dying from the H1N1 and if only everyone would get the vaccine maybe there would be no pandemic. Here in Canada we have an abundance of the H1N1 shot but too many people are too worried to get it, in a recent newspaper poll only 33% of readers said they would get it, that is too bad, too many people think the worst about vaccines.

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10/22/09 10:27 P

Nope not for us. I don't trust it.

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10/21/09 4:13 P

I get the flu shot every year me and my kids but H1N1
I'm not so sure about for me and my kids.What if they get that shot and get sick then what can they tell me they never had the flu so.You know I'm say nay

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10/21/09 12:27 P

Nay for me... the first time I ever got the flu shot I got really sick with the flu and it lasted nearly 2 weeks. Still not sure about my kids, 7 & 2?????

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10/20/09 11:22 P

Our school district is giving the H1N1 vaccines for free too. Not all the districts in Oregon, but those in our county. I'll be getting it from my work, and I'm going to get all three kids vaccinated too. Can't afford for any of us to get any kind of flu. I have a 2nd grader & 2 year old twins. Hoping for a healthy winter season.

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10/20/09 8:15 P

Hemotologists said yes. So there's my answer. They just don't want them getting the nasal mist since it has the live virus.

Strep put my 4 year old in the hospital this weekend and he needed a blood transfusion.

We need all the help we can get.

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10/20/09 12:47 P

I will get it if possible. My 8 year-old son got the H1N1 flu and was very, very sick. I really don't want the rest of the family to get that sick if there is any way I can prevent it.

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10/19/09 10:04 A

I am choosing to pass on it at this time...following my gut!
Gotta luv that!

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10/19/09 8:51 A

Nay for me, I don't trust them ever since last time I had a regular flu shot. I became so sick within hours, and it lasted about three weeks. I will never again try it. I have had the flu since then, but it was not so bad.

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10/19/09 8:26 A

Nay

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10/15/09 7:30 P

My family is facing the very same dilemma here in Northern Indiana...H1N1 shots are being offered free through our school system and are encouraged. In our area the "flu season" is already starting and it is all over our local news. I realize the benefit of the vacciene, yet I can not help but question whether or not to sign the permission slip for my usually healthy and robust 12 year old and 18 year old...? What to do? I've asked friends in the respitory & medical fields and I'm getting about a 50-50 response as to doing it or not? It is so confusing as a parent...who does have the perfect answer?

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10/15/09 3:53 P

Nay for me & mine.

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10/15/09 12:52 P

I spoke pretty extensively to my pediatrician about this and will be getting it as soon as they actually get some vaccine in the office. First, my daughter is only 9 months old so everything goes in her mouth especially her hands and she is starting daycare in Nov.

It is manufactured the same way any other flu vaccine is each year.
Young children like mine are at much greater risk for complications from getting the flu. Especially respiratory illnesses that can be quite dangerous.

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10/12/09 2:06 P

Our family has never had a flu shot either. I think they are over rated, and they even tell you it won't take care of all of the flu strains. The one Dr years ago (before the H1N1) did say that most kids that do get the flu are only brought to the hospital because of dehydration. so IF they get something, just keep them hydrated. Get some pedilyte in the house.

Beckie

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10/12/09 11:04 A

I just got the seasonal flu shot this morning. (H1N1 shot is not available where I live.) I would get the H1N1 shot if it were available, though. I get the seasonal flu shot ever year. It is a "new" vaccine every time I get it, because this year's seasonal flu vaccine has never been offered before; and yet people do not freak out about the safety of the seasonal flu shot. As far as I understand it, the H1N1 shot is similar. It would be like getting two seasonal flu shots instead of the one I usually get.

I have had the flu enough times in my life (never since I started getting the shots though!) to say NO THANKS! If the vaccine works, the trade off is extremely small. (I paid 7€ for the shot, and it doesn't hurt. I felt sort of out of it for about 2 hours earlier today. That's it.)

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10/10/09 10:07 P

I feel your pain. I am in the exact same boat with 4 kids in school and free vaccines being brought to the school. I am now afraid it is too late for my youngest. He has a wheezy cough and is scaring me to death. At least if he had already had the shot I wouldn't be freaking out as badly now.

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10/10/09 7:01 P

nay

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10/9/09 10:37 P

Yes

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10/9/09 4:02 P

Nay. My husband and I get the flu shot every year but our children do not. No one in our family will be getting the H1N1 shot either instead I have taught now more than ever the basics of washing hands, coughing in elbows, not getting in close contact with someone coughing, etc. I am not yet sold on the fact that this will be the "cure all" and my doctor agrees. However, in saying all that, I will be watching the data coming in. As we live in the North - the flu season hits us last so we will have a few more months to wait to see how this unfolds.

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Posts: 53
10/9/09 2:28 P

My family and I don't get flu shots either, we have in the past but only because we had a preemie in the house around the flu season. I certainly will not be getting the H1N1 vaccine. There are health care professionals all over the world who are refusing to get this. Why would they refuse? I would expect health care professionals would get it if they thought it was safe but I've heard that it hasn't been tested 100%. My family is not a guinea pig.

Edited by: SPENCER28 at: 10/9/2009 (17:30)

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10/9/09 6:58 A

No one in my family has ever gotten a flu vaccine. Don't know that I trust them.

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Posts: 47
10/8/09 2:02 P

oh, and re: your children, is there any way you could be with them? Shots hurt, but flu hurts worse is how I see it just from the point of view of pain. I would much rather have a stick that hurts 30 seconds (or even mildly for a day or two) than the flu, which can range from mild (but still annoying and requiring time off of work/school) to devastating.

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Posts: 47
10/8/09 2:00 P

It's not different really, than the regular flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is new EVERY year, based on patterns and data that predict which strain will be most prominent. Every time you get the flu shot, you are getting a "new" vaccine. I vote yea. If I have the opportunity to get one, I will.

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10/8/09 12:01 P

Our local school system is going to be offering the vaccine, free of charge, to all students... and with a great sense of urgency. This isn't like all the other standard vaccines where they've been relatively well tested and you have time to put a lot of consideration into them. This is a new vaccine... and they're going to start dosing the elementary school kids with it before the month is out. It's so hard to know what to do - you don't want to turn down the vaccine and have something happen, and you don't want to accept the vaccine and have something happen.

I'm wary of my children (3 in elementary, 1 in high school) receiving the shots when I'm not with them. Especially my younger ones - I have a 6 year old who wouldn't handle receiving a shot so well.

I'm wary, even, of how doctors in the area are no longer testing for H1N1 or treating it with Tamiflu - yet there's such urgency for the vaccine that an extension of the government is handing them out for free in this way.

I'm wary of not knowing enough about the vaccine.

But I'm also wary of my children contracting H1N1, especially being a large family, because a spread of the swine flu like that could really take a toll on us (especially when you factor in time off from work/school).

What would you do?

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