Re: Swine Flu Vaccine for Babies
mehnaz...mine arent babies anymore but they're still small. And yes I will get this shot for them as soon as its available in our area. Yes, its a bit scary but you have to remember that each year, new flu shots are developed based on the most prevalent strain that happens to be going around at the time. So for decades, the yearly flu shot has been a new and different shot each year. There is no difference between the "seasonal" flu shot and the h1n1 shot as far as how its developed and administered. They inject the virus in a harmless form and the body starts making antibodies to it.
Every single innoculation that is given has the potential for side effects. They're very rare and usually have more to do with how the vaccine is developed which is why they ask you about egg allergies etc. before you get the shot.
My feelings are that there is muchmore risk for my boys to have this flu than there is for them to get the shot. And this, coming from the mom who has 2 sons on the autism spectrum.
Surely its a personal decision. But I weighed the risk of flu against the risk of the shot and hands down, risk is much higher to have the flu.
Just in case you decide against the vaccination, it would be wise to make sure that your doc has a supply of Tamiflu on hand. This is one of the only medications that can prevent life-threatening complications from h1n1 and must be given within 48 hours of apparent symptoms. Many times, people give motrin or tylenol for 2 days and when they just keep getting sicker, THEN they go to hospital. But by that time, even Tamiflu cant help. Learn the symptoms and find this medication if your little one has the symptoms.