Need Help Deciding If I Should Get the H1N1 Vaccination for Me and My Family.

EDIT: I wanted to add that I'm personally choosing not to get a flu shot - regular or H1N1 for myself of my eight year old son. If we get the flu then we get it... I's personally rather not inject it (even an inactive version of it) into myself or my child. While I am not going to be receiving the H1N1 vaccine, below is some information about it. You need to do whatever you feel is best for you and your family. Prevention goes a long way - like washing hands frequently, not sharing drinks/utensils/food, and spraying the air and surfaces in your home with a germ killer like lysol spray. My original post below just has information:
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Check out the CDC's site, it has a lot of information about H1N1 and about the vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Here are some excerpts:

In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from 2009 H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu. And while people 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, if they get sick, they are also at “high risk” of developing serious complications from their illness. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for more information about who is more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death.

CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

Just to give you another point of view, I am trying to get my 2 1/2 daughter the H1N1 vaccine and myself too since I am pregnant. I dont usually do flu shots but being pregnant changes that since the risk to the baby. Also, I keep updated on the childhood deaths every week from the H1N1 and it is scary. It has killed more people since May than the seasonal flu kills. And the H1N1 will only gain momentum as the winter goes on. People will be traveling over the holidays and spreading it further. I am not against vaccines in general, as the only thing proven is that they have eradicated many many diseases over the years. The amount of mercury in the H1N1 is equivalent to what is in a can of tuna. What surprises me is that with so many people against this vaccine, how come I fear it will be unavailable for a long time. Seems like it will be hard to come by. I also dont trust any website other than the CDC's or the AAP's. Of course doctors opinions will vary as does everyone elses. These are my opinions. I have been back and forth about this for 2 months now. Hope to help.

hi L.,
So glad that you want to educate yourself. That is awesome! A lot of people just do what their doctors say. Go to www.mercola.com. There is a lot of great info on there. I absolutely think you should not get the H1 or the flu shot. Not only is their still mercury in the flu shots but there are a lot of other chemicals in them. I would suggest keeping sugar out of your diets and eat as healthy as possible so you can fight viruses off. Don't be stressed. The media plays a big part in that! If they did not have anything to report they would not have jobs. Congrats on your 3rd child. Children are a blessing from heaven. We have a 2 year old daughter.

I am not a huge advocate for vaccines.
Nor am I someone who "pushes" that view on others. Live & let Live. But, since you asked this is my opinion:

I would not even consider the vaccine for myself or my family (children 4 & 6).

If you are a constitutionally healthy person, boost your immune system. These are things we use, and double check with your health care provider since you are pregnant but I dont think any of these things would harm you or the baby:

Elderberry extract (anti-viral properties & high in anti oxidents) Garlic (anti-viral)Pro-biotics (strengthen the intestinal flora & boosts immune system, vitamin C, zinc, and PLENTY OF REST. Regular hand-washing with plain soap.

I know a handful of people who have had it, they exhibited flu symptoms, they were sick, then they recovered. No drama, just flu.

If the risks of getting the vaccine concern you (my opinion they should) consult with a Naturopath or Homeopath for alternative, safe, health care support.

I hope this is helpful to you.

P. : )

My family and I do not plan on taking it. Dr. Mercola has lots of good articles about why it is not a good idea. Also, I saw this story about how a flu shot disabled this healthy young woman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gz5M8fl3wU

Hi L.,

I found this link very informative. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/is-the-h1n1-sw...

Unfortunately, there is a lot of information out there that contradicts what another site will say. So, that means researching and deciding what is best for you.