The fall season is upon us which for many of us moms, also means the
return of the flu season. And of course, everyone (well, almost
everyone) is starting to be worried sick about their children
potentially getting sick with the H1N1 flu virus (or swine flu). A
couple of my mommy friends have asked me "I'm thinking of vaccinating
my child against the swine flu? What do you think". I cringe when I hear
this because I personally believe that this vaccine is potentially
dangerous. But such health matters are a personal decision and you, as
a parent, need to be comfortable about your decision. I've said the
same about standard immunizations. I do encourage parents to read other
arguments and do their research. I've listed some sources below. Read,
listen, and what you do with the knowledge and how you let this new
information influence your decisions is up to you.
In
the U.S., I know that certain states will make vaccination mandatory.
And in both the U.S. and Canada, certain groups (such as health care
workers) will be required to be vaccinated. As well, pregnant women
and young children are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as
possible. As an expecting mom, I am thankful that I live in Canada. But
still, you never know. I hope and pray that H1N1 vaccination does not
become mandatory for us.
What's your opinion? Will you vaccinate yourself or your children? Feel free to leave a comment here or start your own conversation in our forums.
ARGUMENTS FOR THE VACCINE:
Interview with Dr. Ann Schuchat from the CDC
Chief
Science Officer Dr. Anne Schuchat answers parents’ questions about the
2009 H1N1 flu and the vaccine to protect against it. Children aged six
months through 24 years are recommended to receive H1N1 flu vaccine.
This mother posted some info she found on the CDC and from her pediatrician.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST TAKING THE VACCINE:
What To Do if You are Forced to Take Swine Flu Shot
Interviews with Dr. Russell Blaylock, a retired neurosurgeon who speaks of the dangers of the H1N1 vaccine.
Warning: Swine Flu Shot Linked to Killer Nerve Disease
In
this article: A warning that the swine flu vaccine has been linked to a
deadly nerve disease has been sent by the UK Government to senior
neurologists in a confidential letter.
The letter refers to the use of a similar swine flu vaccine in the United States in 1976 when:
- More people died from the vaccination than from swine flu
- The vaccine may have increased the risk of contracting GBS by eight times
- The vaccine was withdrawn after just ten weeks when the link with GBS became clear
- The U.S. Government was forced to pay out millions of dollars to those affected
Concerns have already been raised that the new vaccine has not
been sufficiently tested and that the effects, especially on children,
are unknown.
Flu Vaccine Exposed
Perspective: Studies show that flu vaccines are unsafe and ineffective.
This
presentation by the Thinktwice Global Vaccine Institute includes a
visual depiction of flu vaccine production -- how the flu vaccine is
made and what it contains.
Another Shocking Warning About Swine Flu Vaccine
Many Health Workers Won't Take Swine Flu Vaccine
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This blog post was first posted on The Working Mama.
