Deciding whether or not to get the H1N1 Vaccine?

Good morning everyone!

It's always nice to wake up to the sound of birds chirping at your window, lol. I've got a feeling...that today is going to be a GREAT day!!! :-) Anyways, this past week I've received several phone calls from friends & family in regards to the H1N1 vaccine. They have asked me questions such as: "Is it safe? Should I get my child vaccinated?" and different questions along those lines. With that being said, this post is dedicated to all the people out there who are debating whether or not they should get the H1N1 Vaccine. The goal I seek to accomplish in this post is to put to rest any uneasiness you may have in regards to this vaccine and to help you, the people, make a safe & informed decision.

Now, I can understand why people are apprehensive about getting the H1N1 vaccination. From a medical viewpoint, many physicians are skeptical of this vaccine b/c there is yet to be evidence that the H1N1 inoculation protects one from getting the virus which is also a concern raised regarding the seasonal flu vaccine. This goes to contradict what CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden recently told reporters as far as the vaccine working very well because “it is an excellent match with the strains of the virus that are circulating.”

In addition, there is also widespread concern about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine itself. During the 1976 swine flu epidemic in the United States, those who received the vaccine for that strand of swine flu were proven to have an elevated risk of contracting Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of its nervous system. The most common complications from Guillain-Barré syndrome are breathing-related, and patients are often placed on respirators. The majority of people who contract the disorder recover, but it can be fatal.

The CDC says that it expects the H1N1 inoculation to follow a similar safety profile as the seasonal influenza vaccine, which has not been associated with increased risk of Guillain-Barré. Officials also say that this new pandemic vaccine is much “purer” than the 1976 inoculation. The expected side effects from the 2009 H1N1 vaccine are similar to those from the regular flu shot, including soreness or swelling at the point of injection, low-grade fever and body aches. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration will be closely monitoring the safety of the immunization. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System exists so that health care providers can report vaccine concerns directly.

Then, there are those who think natural immunity is better and safer than any vaccine and are suggesting “swine flu parties” are the way to go – get yourself infected with H1N1 and your body will build up immunity. Most doctors and the CDC strongly advise against this method of protection.

Nevertheless, whatever your viewpoint is... I, personally, urge you to get this vaccine. Why? you may ask. Well, let's look at the facts. On Nov. 5, 2009 WHO (World Health Organization) stated that the H1N1 virus is now the world's most dominant flu virus, with high levels and an increase of activity in many regions. In regards to those infected w/ the virus, a pattern has been distinguished; a sizable number of people develop complications [that lead to death]. The most serious complications are concentrated in the younger age groups rather than the older age groups. While the complications are most often seen in people who have chronic, underlying health conditions and in pregnant women, they also can develop in people who are currently healthy and young. Therefore, regardless of whatever your current health status is, it doesn't make you immune to this disease b/c it can affect anyone, anywhere, and in any place. Safety precautions that prevent the spread of this illness include:

* Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. These measures will continue to be important after a 2009 H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.

In addition, there is the H1N1 Vaccine; the WHO recommends this to fight against pandemic infections.



This vaccine has been used in a significant number of countries ... and based on the experience, in which millions of people have now received this vaccine, there has been evidence that it is very safe.

The only side effects are swelling and pain at the injection site, but these are occurring at rates that are expected and usually seen with seasonal influenza vaccine.

WHO, along with other public health authorities, believes that this vaccine is very useful against pandemic infections and do support their use.

With that being said, I have chosen to get the H1N1 Vaccine. Simply b/c it's safe... and b/c I'm constantly on a one to one basis w/ clients in the hospital. Therefore, that puts me at high risk. Although, this is a new vaccine I will take my chances and be safe than sorry. That's just my opinion. Anyways, check out this Q & A article on the H1N1 vaccine that the CDC made. I'm sure it will answer any other questions you may have. With that being said, I conclude this post. Have a wonderful day! Peace, Love, and God Bless. This is 'thedoc' and I'm signing out. 1.

End note:
Now that you've read this post, what are your thoughts? Did you find it informative? Was I able to put to rest some of the uneasiness you may have had in regards to the H1N1 vaccine?