Are you planning to get H1N1 vaccine?

Sara · Guru

RE: Are you planning to get H1N1 vaccine?

Juanita · Guru

Sara wrote:

mally wrote:

Thanks for posting that.

Allyson's friend's 4 yo sister has been sick since friday night. Very high fever, breathing issues, vomiting, etc...she was admitted for two nights and came home today. They tested her for flu, type A only, but told them they aren't strain testing any of them, but they are 90% sure it's swine flu. I don't understand why they are doing that...

you can read the post I just put but Bryce just tested positive for this today and we are certain Keegan has it though he did not get the actual swab done.

Swine Flu (H1N1) does not have a quick test like the Influenza A. Also, I have heard it is very pricey. Since they are treated the same they are just assuming most with a positive test will actually have H1N1 vs. Type A.

That is what I posted about too Sara..that most people aren't testing to see if it's the swine flu, they're just treating it as such since it's the same treatment.

I heard the tests were $500 each. Absolutely ridiculous

Hope you all feel better soon

CheleLyn · Senior Member

Daniel brought home the infomration pack for the H1N1 vax at school...his age group actually would need 2 vax 4 weeks apart so the research group is supposed to return to the school for the second round.

I don;t know what to do....I don't feel like it's the right thing to do to get it but then I hear or read about pediatric deaths from the damn H1N1 and then feel like if he does get it and ends up dying from it then that would be my fault....but if he gets the vax and has a bad reaction to it....

I just don't know!

edited to add...the fact that congress passed a law to protect the vaccine manufacturers in case of bad outcomes /death from the vax scares the crap out of me. (i don't have an actual link to an article---I just happen to know this)

-- Edited by CheleLyn on Tuesday 13th of October 2009 04:14:21 PM

Juanita · Guru

CheleLyn wrote:

Daniel brought home the infomration pack for the H1N1 vax at school...his age group actually would need 2 vax 4 weeks apart so the research group is supposed to return to the school for the second round.

I don;t know what to do....I don't feel like it's the right thing to do to get it but then I hear or read about pediatric deaths from the damn H1N1 and then feel like if he does get it and ends up dying from it then that would be my fault....but if he gets the vax and has a bad reaction to it....

I just don't know!

edited to add...the fact that congress passed a law to protect the vaccine manufacturers in case of bad outcomes /death from the vax scares the crap out of me. (i don't have an actual link to an article---I just happen to know this)

-- Edited by CheleLyn on Tuesday 13th of October 2009 04:14:21 PM

I hadn't heard this. That is scary to me too.

I think you just have to go with your gut Chele. Presley is a HIGH risk group, but I just don't feel right about getting it..my mother's intuition and all. Then when her PICU doctor confirmed it for me, I felt better.

I think it was too rushed, not enough studies on it to satisfy me, and all that. I know kids are dying from it and it's awful, and I'd feel guilty if that happened to mine, but I just have to pray and not live in fear because that's what God would want me to do. I've prayed about it and I feel confident in my decision and that's good enough for me.

Chickie · Senior Member

I'm pretty sure I'm not getting it for Nolan either. I just don't feel good about it. My mom tried to give me a guilt trip about it, but she gets all her information from the news on tv and I don't feel like that's a very good source (especially when it's Fox News ashamed

).

I do trust Nolan's Ped though, so when the time comes and she feels like he should get it then I'll reconsider.

muffy · Guru

What Chele is saying is indeed fact - there is no responsibility on the part of the manufacturers if something horrible happens. and at the same time, it has not been fully tested.

It is called the PREP (Public Readiness and Preparedness) act

here is a link with further details...

http://www.doh.wa.gov/CFH/immunize/documents/prepact.pdf

scary... and frustrating!

JenM · Senior Member

I am not getting one, nor am I getting it for the kids. I got a regular flu shot, and when they come in I'll get 'em for the kids but that's it.

Even working at the hospital, I'm paranoid and don't know enough about it. Hopefully I won't get it....

Corey · Guru

at this point in time i believe we will. here is what dr. sears has to say-

http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/

How are these vaccines manufactured?

Here is the interesting part. Everyone has been worrying and theorizing about how these BRAND NEW vaccines are going to be made and what new and dangerous ingredients they might contain. Well, what has ended up happening is that these four companies have made their “swine” flu vaccines using the exact same process and ingredients that they’ve used for their regular flu vaccines. All they’ve changed is the strain of the flu germs that go into the vaccine. Not to say that these vaccines are completely chemical free and 100% safe. But we aren’t dealing with brand new flu vaccines here. We are dealing with the same thing we face with flu shots every year: same chemical ingredients, new flu vaccine strains. You can find out more details on how regular flu shots are made in the flu chapter of the vaccine book, and apply that same process to the “swine” flu vaccines.

Sanofi Pasteur’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular flu vaccine Fluzone, a brand that has been in use for several years.
CSL’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular flu vaccine Afluria, a newer player in the flu vaccine market that was first made last year for the 2008/2009 flu season.
Novartis’s pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular flu vaccine Fluvirin, which has been around for a few years (previously made by Chiron).
MedImmune’s live nasal spray pandemic H1N1 vaccine is analogous to their regular nasal spray Flumist.

Which one do I recommend?

At this time I have absolutely no preference whatsoever.

-- Edited by Corey on Thursday 15th of October 2009 10:16:34 AM

Alison · Guru

See, this quote bothers me:

"What safety and efficacy testing has been done on these vaccines?

Here is where we are flying by the seat of our pants, so to speak. The product inserts make it VERY clear that the “swine” flu versions of these vaccines have NOT undergone any testing to demonstrate whether or not they are safe and whether or not they even work. They are relying on the fact that they are so similar to the regular flu shots that they should work just as well.

Although I don’t like that approach, I must admit that they may be right. I don’t see any reason to doubt that our immune systems won’t respond to this vaccine the same way they respond to regular flu shots. And I don’t expect that the side effects would be any different either."

Because immune systems are responding to the swine flu differently than the regular flu. So the responses to the vaccine could be more extreme as well.

That said, I think I'm back at square 1, because a 5yo girl in San Diego died this week of H1N1, and had no underlying conditions, and was only sick for a couple of days before going to the hospital for vomiting, and dying within hours. WTF????

I just wish Mason had been tested for it in May when he was tested for strep, and then I would have an easier time deciding. In the meantime, maybe I'll just sneak him some breastmilk in a cup. ;)

CoffeeQueen · Guru

I could be wrong, but no vaccine is 100% safe. There is a risk to every one and we never know when or who. I think the good outweighs the bad in most cases and I understand the fear of the unknown.

I am not sure how the regular flu strains are tested any different that people want more testing?

I am so sensitive to this after seeing a kid die from the flu. I wonder what the ratio is of those who did not receive flu shot and died and those who did? I am going to see if I can find something.

3s_a_crowd · Guru

melissa I think there just now getting the vax to the public (H1N1) that any statistic will be scewed. Because sooo few in the grand scheme of things have received the vax.

Juni · Guru

3s_a_crowd wrote:

melissa I think there just now getting the vax to the public (H1N1) that any statistic will be scewed. Because sooo few in the grand scheme of things have received the vax.

But we could look at the regular flu shot and compare. I think that is what she was going to see about. I know the child she knew died from the regular flu.

I am so pissed I wasn't able to get the flu shot when I was supposed to. (They ran out.) Now I am sick so I can't get it. I'm hoping by Monday my doc will have it and I will be well enough to get it.

We will all be getting the h1n1 if we are able to.

CoffeeQueen · Guru

Another thought. Mind you I am just thinking out loud here or should I say typing.

Anyway, everyone keeps saying that those who have died, died from other complications. I hate to say this, but when your immune system is compromised and fighting an illness/bactera/virus, you will die of something else. It is not the flu per say that kills you. It attacks your heart, etc. So, when people say they are not worried because people who have died, died of other complications just does not make sense to me.

I think what scares me more. I know that this H1N1 is just another flu strain. What bothers me is the age group it is hitting hardest,young children. That is the scare and panic over vaccinating. I am worried about the kids fighting it off. It comes on fast and the ones who have died did so in a short period of time and no warning.

Jennie · Guru

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Another thought. Mind you I am just thinking out loud here or should I say typing.

Anyway, everyone keeps saying that those who have died, died from other complications. I hate to say this, but when your immune system is compromised and fighting an illness/bactera/virus, you will die of something else. It is not the flu per say that kills you. It attacks your heart, etc. So, when people say they are not worried because people who have died, died of other complications just does not make sense to me.

I think what scares me more. I know that this H1N1 is just another flu strain. What bothers me is the age group it is hitting hardest,young children. That is the scare and panic over vaccinating. I am worried about the kids fighting it off. It comes on fast and the ones who have died did so in a short period of time and no warning.

This scares me too. I keep going back and forth over it. I read that those with a compromised immune system from HIV and autoimmune disorders(which I have) cannot get the vaccination so does this mean I can't get it?

Our landlady's daughter had it and her boss had it. We ran into him at Target last night. He's better. DH asked him what it was like and he said he just wanted to die b/c it was that bad. He said he had never felt so ill in his life and it was awful.

What scares me is Addy. I know she's healthy but she's so young and her immune system isn't like our's. What if she is exposed?

I hate this going around and around with it. But I get your understanding.

I just read an article about a woman who had the regular flu and then died for 18 minutes b/c of complications regarding her heart. She's alive now b/c her husband saved her life but you've got such a valid point.

Supafly · Guru

Ok, so this is off topic, but here it is...

I fully intend to get the girl's the regular flu shot-we have done so in the past and it has not been a problem. I have waivered btwn yes and no to the swine flu.

But here is the thing. My pedi's office sets up clinics for the flu shots, but they are (and have been) fully booked. They do not set up office visits for flu shots, but will give them if you have a well visit planned. Kate's 3 year is on 11/20 (it was in november last year too, so if had to be after that), and I had planned, like I did last year, to take both girls in to get their shots then. But now that it seems like there are already a lot of kids getting sick, I am wondering if that is too long to wait???

Any thoughts? Should I be calling and seeing if there is anyway we an get in sooner?

Juni · Guru

Supafly wrote:

Ok, so this is off topic, but here it is...

I fully intend to get the girl's the regular flu shot-we have done so in the past and it has not been a problem. I have waivered btwn yes and no to the swine flu.

But here is the thing. My pedi's office sets up clinics for the flu shots, but they are (and have been) fully booked. They do not set up office visits for flu shots, but will give them if you have a well visit planned. Kate's 3 year is on 11/20 (it was in november last year too, so if had to be after that), and I had planned, like I did last year, to take both girls in to get their shots then. But now that it seems like there are already a lot of kids getting sick, I am wondering if that is too long to wait???

Any thoughts? Should I be calling and seeing if there is anyway we an get in sooner?

If it were me I would get in ASAP to get the flu vax. The thing about waiting is not only that they go longer without the vax but you run the risk of them not having any available. So, definitely, I would do the sooner is better approach. But, that is just me.

Supafly · Guru

Juni wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Ok, so this is off topic, but here it is...

I fully intend to get the girl's the regular flu shot-we have done so in the past and it has not been a problem. I have waivered btwn yes and no to the swine flu.

But here is the thing. My pedi's office sets up clinics for the flu shots, but they are (and have been) fully booked. They do not set up office visits for flu shots, but will give them if you have a well visit planned. Kate's 3 year is on 11/20 (it was in november last year too, so if had to be after that), and I had planned, like I did last year, to take both girls in to get their shots then. But now that it seems like there are already a lot of kids getting sick, I am wondering if that is too long to wait???

Any thoughts? Should I be calling and seeing if there is anyway we an get in sooner?

If it were me I would get in ASAP to get the flu vax. The thing about waiting is not only that they go longer without the vax but you run the risk of them not having any available. So, definitely, I would do the sooner is better approach. But, that is just me.

Well, they know I am bringing them both for that purpose, and I would ASSUME they would make sure there were vaccines for them?? But maybe I should check on that.

I do worry that between now and then, they will get something from someone at school. We are trying to avoid a lot of public places for now, and being as careful as we can about hand washing, but that only goes so far!

I really don't know if they will get us in earlier. They set up these clinics to avoid having people just come in left and right, but if the clinics are full, one would think they would let you come in. I should call.

a_mastermom · Guru

Supafly wrote:

Juni wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Ok, so this is off topic, but here it is...

I fully intend to get the girl's the regular flu shot-we have done so in the past and it has not been a problem. I have waivered btwn yes and no to the swine flu.

But here is the thing. My pedi's office sets up clinics for the flu shots, but they are (and have been) fully booked. They do not set up office visits for flu shots, but will give them if you have a well visit planned. Kate's 3 year is on 11/20 (it was in november last year too, so if had to be after that), and I had planned, like I did last year, to take both girls in to get their shots then. But now that it seems like there are already a lot of kids getting sick, I am wondering if that is too long to wait???

Any thoughts? Should I be calling and seeing if there is anyway we an get in sooner?

If it were me I would get in ASAP to get the flu vax. The thing about waiting is not only that they go longer without the vax but you run the risk of them not having any available. So, definitely, I would do the sooner is better approach. But, that is just me.

Well, they know I am bringing them both for that purpose, and I would ASSUME they would make sure there were vaccines for them?? But maybe I should check on that.

I do worry that between now and then, they will get something from someone at school. We are trying to avoid a lot of public places for now, and being as careful as we can about hand washing, but that only goes so far!

I really don't know if they will get us in earlier. They set up these clinics to avoid having people just come in left and right, but if the clinics are full, one would think they would let you come in. I should call.

Definitely call. My ped ran out of the regular flu shot vax weeks ago.

CoffeeQueen · Guru

I just learned something today. Maybe I am slow, but flu season does not typically start till November. So they believe everyone with the flu right now has had the H1N1.

Laura, not sure about where you live, but tons of places are giving flu shot clinics around me. Also check with your Dr. they may have them and give the girls a shot.

The nurse here at our school just had it and she said it was awful and she felt like she was going to die. She said even her hair hurt,lol. Her son had it and her sons girlfriend. They ended up in the hospital and were so dehydrated. She had it attack her gall bladder. So crazy.

Supafly · Guru

a_mastermom wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Juni wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Ok, so this is off topic, but here it is...

I fully intend to get the girl's the regular flu shot-we have done so in the past and it has not been a problem. I have waivered btwn yes and no to the swine flu.

But here is the thing. My pedi's office sets up clinics for the flu shots, but they are (and have been) fully booked. They do not set up office visits for flu shots, but will give them if you have a well visit planned. Kate's 3 year is on 11/20 (it was in november last year too, so if had to be after that), and I had planned, like I did last year, to take both girls in to get their shots then. But now that it seems like there are already a lot of kids getting sick, I am wondering if that is too long to wait???

Any thoughts? Should I be calling and seeing if there is anyway we an get in sooner?

If it were me I would get in ASAP to get the flu vax. The thing about waiting is not only that they go longer without the vax but you run the risk of them not having any available. So, definitely, I would do the sooner is better approach. But, that is just me.

Well, they know I am bringing them both for that purpose, and I would ASSUME they would make sure there were vaccines for them?? But maybe I should check on that.

I do worry that between now and then, they will get something from someone at school. We are trying to avoid a lot of public places for now, and being as careful as we can about hand washing, but that only goes so far!

I really don't know if they will get us in earlier. They set up these clinics to avoid having people just come in left and right, but if the clinics are full, one would think they would let you come in. I should call.

Definitely call. My ped ran out of the regular flu shot vax weeks ago.

Yikes!!!

Ok, so I called. They said that they currently are out, but they will be getting more and would have them by the 11/20 appt. They said it was fine for both girls to get i then, and they wouldn't be out at that time.

She also said that there are clinics around the county (the next one is 10/27, then 10/31), if we feel like they should get it sooner, but that she had talked with the nurses about it as well, and they said that the flu hasn't really started here, and they *should* be ok if they wait. But there was a child at my neighbor's daughter's preschool with the flu, so who knows.

They don't even HAVE the H1N1 (and they were part of the trials for it!), so I guess I don't even have to make that decision right now!

I'm going to look into the other county clinics as well. It is more money to go that route, but might not be a bad idea.

Thank you ladies for pushing me into calling!