Absolutely Delightful

So, at first I wasn’t so sure about it because I felt that maybe it was rolled out too quickly and not well-tested. However upon doing further research (both into the vaccine and the H1N1 flu virus itself) I am now decided that I must get the vaccine. I am pregnant and in my third trimester – one of the most high-risk groups. This is my rationale:

1. H1N1 seems to be hitting pregnant women especially hard. Particularly those in their 3rd trimester. Pregnancy lowers the immune system to protect the baby and this can make the flu very dangerous for this group. This is very scary and I feel I must protect myself and my child.

2. If I get the vaccine while still pregnant then I will be able to pass some of the immunity on to my baby, who will be born in the height of flu season and will be too young to get immunized (children under 6 months of age cannot receive the flu vaccine).

3. I will go from one high-risk group to another after the baby is born (those parents and caregivers of children under 6 months of age). So, to protect my baby and my toddler, it would be wise to get the whole family immunized.

4. The H1N1 vaccine is made just like the seasonal flu vaccine – same ingredients (except for the dead virus strain) and the same process. The regular seasonal flu vaccine has a very good safety record and I have been getting it for 9 years (even while pregnant), so I believe the scientific claims that the H1N1 will be just as safe.

Here is a great article debunking vaccine myths (not just flu vaccine). Vaccines are one of the greatest advancements in medical history. They save lives. It makes me very angry that people who don’t have science on their side are spreading falsehoods and making people fearful of what could protect them and those around them.

http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/09-06-03

Now only if this vaccine would be available!!!! It has proven very elusive here in San Diego. It’s already almost the end of October and there are none to be found. My OB, GP and pediatrician’s offices don’t expect them in until early November. I’m very annoyed with the wait considering the virus is very active already. Hopefully it will indeed come in November or even sooner and there will be enough for myself, my toddler and my husband.