Did I do wrong by giving my kids the H1N1 vaccine? About This Page:

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally, I was very much against the vaccine. I thought it was too new and went with the theory of not wanting to be a guinea pig. Then, I did research, talked to the pediatrician...all of which pointed me to that it really wasn't any different than the regular flu vaccine. My husband's in Afghanistan, next door to doctors, he talked to them...also said they were giving it to their children...with no concern or reservation.

So I went to get their seasonal flu shot and regular immunizations today and they sprung it on me that they had H1N1 shots available and my kids qualified. Somehow, I did it. But now I'm totally second guessing myself. I mean, I know it's too late and what's done is done...I'm just a mess, all in a panic. I hate to say it, but I feel like I'm just sitting back with my fingers crossed, hoping that all is okay and I feel so irresponsible for putting my children in a situation that I have to sit back with my fingers crossed. But the counter to that is that I'm so paranoid I've been sanitizing like crazy...everytime we get in the car from an outing, or even while we're out...and then I hear and see how that's not good either.

Any expertise out there? Any advice?

[jimmymac]

You did the right thing

[Ceara's mawmaw]

I believe you did the right thing....through my research and questions it isn't much different than getting your child immunizations. Those have their side effects too but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I believe it true with the H1N1 also.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Thanks you guys. I guess, really...I don't want anyone to tell me I was wrong. I'm just second-guessing myself. So not good at decisions...soooo not good at doing all of this without my husband.

[karyntay07]

You absolutely did the right thing, IMO. My FI and many of our best friends are all in the health field. Specifically, the best man for our wedding is conducting research for a prominent Children's Hospital on the vaccine - all signs are pointing to getting the vaccination. I understand your worry, I don't have kids so I don't have to make the choice myself, but I can say that if I were in your position I would vaccinate without hesitation.

[my2twinboys]

I think you did the right thing. My kids also got the H1N1 vaccine last week and I was worried about it too. But I spoke to their pediatrician and some other reliable sources and they recommended it. They seem to be fine and have not experienced any negative effects from the vaccine.

[Landons_Mommy]

I think that you did the right thing, My Parents want to get my little brother the vaccine, but his DRs office doesn't have it yet. But dnt second guess yourself you did the right thing for your kids.

[tink4evernky]

I agree that you did the right thing! My 3 DS will be getting the vaccine when it is available. I also have talked to several medical professionals and they all agreed that they would, or are, vaccinating their children as well.

[eff051102]

You did what was best for your kids and your situation. I had been kicking
around the idea of getting my DD the shot (she already had the flu shot) and
was sitting here a week ago thinking that I was going to ask her Ped. his opinion.
Well the news came on and they were talking about the first H1N1 shots here
in Dallas and I couldn't believe it but my Ped. was on tv and was giving out
shots at their office. So I guess I don't have to call and see what he thinks.


They ran out of shots so I will be waiting until they get the next batch which
won't be to long.

[Tawnya]

I think you did the right thing as well. If I had kids Id deffinatly get it for them.

[MMMD]

Boy, as parents we feel guilty about EVERYTHING, don't we? I never get my kids the flu shots because they usually don't qualify (when there is a shortage) But my friend the nurse yelled at me yesterday telling me I was making a big mistake. So don't worry, you did the right thing.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Words can not express how much better you all have made me feel. Thank you.

I'm a very indecisive person anyway...with little things. And this, well...this is a big thing and I totally had some moments today where it just felt like my world was crashing down because my husband isn't here to help. Overwhelmed, anxious...many other adjectives. I should be stronger, but sometimes, it's just a lot to handle, for me anyway. I truly, truly appreciate the back up and support on this!

I'm not really sure what I'm expecting to happen...but everyone's perfectly fine. So far so good!

[B.M.]

Are you reading my mind!?!?!? I've been saying NO WAY to H1N1 vaccine this whole time, even posted a thread and said I was not doing it. Where did we go this morning? Got all 5 kids the H1N1 nasal mist! What did I do in the van on the way back? - Cry! I'm a major germaphobe and have all sorts of germ issues! I didn't want to chance this new, untested vaccine; but was going crazy with all the H1N1 germs! The neighbors kids just got over it and the icing on the cake was my ds's bff came down with it a few days ago! Plus I read that GA and Alaska (were in GA) have the most widespread panademic of H1N1 thus far! I went over the edge, they are vaccinated, and there is no going back!
This is what I finally told myself- The fear of dying from the vaccine?? - unfounded, there have been NO deaths or serious problems what so ever from the H1N1 vaccine!
The fear of dying from H1N1?? - LOTS of deaths and LOTS of serious complications!
Yes the vaccine is new and somewhat unknown territory, but so is the virus!
Sorry for the hi jack, but I've can relate!

[CountryTink]

I would say to definitely get them vaccinated - we didn't even have an opportunity and four out of five members of my family (myself included) are now in various stages of recovering from H1N1. Fortunately, none of us got a case that required hospitalization, but a couple of us sure were miserable for a few days. I wouldn't wish this flu on anyone, especially since it seems to affect everyone just a little bit differently.

[Teresa]

We chose not to have our kids vaccinated. Do I worry I did the right/wrong thing? You bet. Would I worry if I DID get them the vaccine? You bet.
I've got some strong opinions about this - but I won't get on my soapbox here. I will say that parents who have made either decision will worry - should I have, or should I not have.
What it comes down to is are you informed and are you willing to accept the consequences? If the answer to both is "Yes", then you did fine.