H1N1 Oh My!

So the debate continues on, some people vaccinate others do not. It is a parental choice. One of the many decisions you have to make as a parent. I do feel we over vaccinate to a degree. For instance: The chicken pox vaccine? I had the chicken pox. All my friends had the chicken pox. None of the people I EVER knew were hospitalized or had their lives in major risk for chicken pox. I am not saying there were not severe cases out there, but I do not feel the pox were so detrimental to children that it is best to vaccinate them. I actually enjoyed having the chicken pox. Not so much the itching, but I remember that special time staying home and my mom taking care of me. Getting to stay on the couch and watch movies. One day my mom brought down her old family movies and my brother and I got to watch them. But now your baby can't start school unless they are vaccinated.

The flu shot is a choice everyone has. I got it the last 2 years because I was pregnant. There are groups who should indeed have a higher priority in getting the flu shot...pregnant women, children, the elderly, the sick, etc. Not the ING folk...but that's another debate entirely.

This season I did vaccinate both Kyle and Hailey for the flu as well as H1N1. I was on the fence about H1N1, but then my doctor explained if it had been manufactured in time it would have been in the "regular" flu shot. I did not freak out about getting them vaccinated. They are home with me all the time so its not as though they are in as high a risk category as children in school or daycare (more day to day, touching contact with other potentially sick babies). But, when it became available both received the shot. In fact Hailey is due for her second dose..depending upon supply, next week.

The posting is a little pointless, but just a thought. Remember you are never alone. As much as a parent researches...like I did about this h1N1 vaccine, its just nice to sometimes know you are not alone, and what other mommies are doing.Plus its 3:30am and I am up =)

So whatever you decide: vaccinate or not to vaccinate. Try not to judge the mommy beside you. She is in the same boat as you, just trying to figure out what really is the BEST, most SAFE, LOVING thing to do for her baby.