In an effort to control H1N1 virus this fall, schools will be called on to offer vaccinations. This brings up important questions for parents of school aged children: do you vaccinate your child with this flu vaccine? So far, the medical community is quite clear about the possibility of a dangerous pandemic with this flu, and that vaccinations along with school closings are the best plan of action. But for parents a bit skeptical of the toxins in many vaccines, this makes for some tough decisions.
I am not anti-vaccine, as I have discussed in other posts. But I like to take a minimalist approach to medication and intervention. I usually don't vaccinate myself, or my children from the flu. I'm a teacher, after all, I am exposed to everything, and I still don't get it (the flu or the vaccination). This doesn't mean I don't think the vaccine is safe (without thermerisol), I just don't feel it is necessary.
With the Swine flu, this is a completely different situation. It is likely we will need to do what it takes to protect our children, and the whole community, and that may mean vaccinating our children from this flu. But it feels rushed, and a little intimidating. See this story from the Washington Post about potential mass vaccinations for H1N1. Readers, what do you think?
3 comments:
Flu vaccines usually do contain thimerosal; they are basically the only vaccines that still do. From the CDC website: "Today, all routinely recommended licensed pediatric vaccines that are currently being manufactured for the U.S. market, with the exception of influenza vaccine, contain no thimerosal or only trace amounts."
Some flu vaccines are thimerosal-free, and it seems that thimerosal-free (or trace thimerosal) vaccines are becoming more and more common - but I wouldn't assume the new H1N1 vaccines would be thimerosal-free.
I think vaccinating in schools for something like this is a good idea: since flu is so seasonal, and most people go to the doctor only once a year, if your checkup happens to be at the wrong time of year you can miss the window for getting the vaccine. I would bet many children miss flu vaccines for this reason - how many parents are going to feel it's worthwhile to do a whole trip to the doctor just for a flu shot?
it seems as though the flu vaccines we've had somehow have kept us more vulnerable to the flu. it seems as though we are healthier *as in not getting the flu* without getting the shot. is it coincidence? hard to say...
a prayer worthy decision for sure! :)..
as I don't want my children getting the swine flu, but the thimerosal is scary, too..
Thiomersal is very toxic, please do your research - as a parent its your responsibility. Thiomersal is not allowed in any other western country other than the US. Please check on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiomersal about Thiomersal, it is proven to cause Autism!
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