H1N1 vaccine

• 10-26-2009 11:51 PM

  In reply to miranadobe

  griffinej5 Joined on 09-10-2007 Pa Posts 2,783 Points 60	Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact  A walgreens near me is supposed to be getting H1N1 vaccines. I think I need to suck up my fears, go and get the regular one, see what they'll have H1N1, and if I can get it. Emperor of the Markie Fan Club
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• 10-27-2009 3:39 AM

  In reply to sheltiemom

  RidgebackGermansShep Joined on 03-24-2006 Lexington, KY Posts 3,965 Points 475

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact I haven't read all the responses yet, but I'm trying to get it!!!!! I work in H1N1 heaven and a few of my co workers have already had it. However, they wont allow me to get the nasal spray since it's a live virus and i work with babies. As of right now, that's all that's available to hospital employees. Our unit highly recommends us to get the annual influenza vaccine, and i've gotten every year for the past several years.  I know a few pregnant people who have already gotten the vaccine, with no ill side effects. As soon as it's available, i'm getting it.   After reading the thread i'm shocked at how many anti vaccine people there are! I've had tons of vaccine (gardasil, Hep B, MMR, etc etc) and never had a bad reaction. I also went to public school, where we had to be up to date on vaccines, still never heard of an ill effect...sucks for the people who have. Eat, drink, and be merry...for tomorrow we die..." - Dave Matthews Band Megan

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• 10-27-2009 3:19 PM

  In reply to sheltiemom

  scrubsfiend Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW Texas Posts 1,225 Points 200

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact As someone who is immune compromised (I have MS), I went straight to the horses mouth to get my answer on flu vaccines.  My Neurologist said yes to the seasonal flu vac, which I did get (first time in a very, very long time and there were zero side effects) but no to the H1N1.  I trust his highly educated and experienced opinion so I didn't question. Jenn, I just want to throw this out there: Doctors and the medical profession in general are highly skilled, trained, educated guessers who take what they have been taught as well as what they learn from experience and apply it.  They are humans just like you and me and do from time to time make mistakes.  But to discount years and years and years of knowledge based on internet science is foolish.  There is nothing wrong with research, from reputable sources (I do this all the time for my own personal health reasons), but I would highly recommend it not be a substitute for professional advice.  And it is all advice - take it or leave it.  As I am no doctor, I take it unless I have legitimate reason to question.  Your gut is good for that I kinda look at science like I do technology.  It's ALWAYS evolving and there are experts who's job it is to keep on top of the trends.  Last year's phone is obsolete this year.  So while it may be a bit of a stretch to say last year's vac is obsolete this year, surely it isn't far from the truth.  Science and medicine is a living, breathing thing that changes in the blink of an eye.  I say kudos to those medical professionals who are able to keep up with it because it's overwhelming to me! Amy "A man's soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog" - Charles Doran I live by the motto Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should. Wish others did.

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• 10-27-2009 3:47 PM

  In reply to scrubsfiend

  sheltiemom Joined on 09-10-2007 North of Montreal, Quebec Posts 73 Points 0

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact So many opinions... It's too bad that you didn't have the time to question the doc as to the *why* of not the H1N1.  :(  ( just to understand the *reasoning* behind it) I know my doctor will tell me to get it and I really respect my doctor's knowledge & the way she stays on top on all the new *trends* in medicine, but what spooks me is that there are so many people saying NO, they will not get it for XYZ reasons, that I think... Hmmm am I missing some important information on this vaccine ? And how valid are their concerns ?  I'm trying to gather as much knowledge, PRO & CON, in order to make an educated decision... not blindly say YES, YES, YES  or NO WAY JOSE !, the same way I would go about buying a house , getting new appliances, etc., etc. I am probably not explaining it properly but hope this makes sense !! While typing this post, my sis just called me from Ontario.  She saw her doc today for a sinus infection and was prescribed antibiotics.  Her doc said NOT to get the H1N1 shot until she had completed her 10 day meds since they could interfere with the shot... but to get it as soon as possible afterwards. The doc told my sis that SHE had already received the shot as well as having given it to her two young(school age) daughters.

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• 10-27-2009 3:59 PM

  In reply to sheltiemom

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,363 Points 410	Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact  well - I think I can explain that one. Any time you (animal or human) are being treated for any type of infection - you NEVER EVER vaccinate. Vaccines take a lot out of the immune system - and you don't want to stress the immune system while you are actively treating an infection.
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• 10-27-2009 4:25 PM

  In reply to sheltiemom

  scrubsfiend Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW Texas Posts 1,225 Points 200

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact Sheltiemom, it wasn't a matter of time but rather trusting that he knows what is best for me.  I'm thinking that because he said yes to the seasonal, he would have said yes to H1N1 if he felt I needed it.  My MS symptoms are minimal. A quick search on the National MS Society page: In summary: • People with MS should consult with their physician about obtaining a regular flu shot as soon as possible. • They should also discuss with their neurologist whether they should get the de-activated H1N1 vaccination because (1) catching the flu would put them at greater risk of an exacerbation, or (2) their MS symptoms are severe enough to put them at risk for flu complications. • The FluMist nasal spray vaccine and the live, attenuated nasal spray version of the H1N1 are not recommended for people with MS. Amy "A man's soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog" - Charles Doran I live by the motto Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should. Wish others did.

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• 10-27-2009 5:08 PM

  In reply to scrubsfiend

  sheltiemom Joined on 09-10-2007 North of Montreal, Quebec Posts 73 Points 0

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact Thanks Scrubsfiend for the explanation. :) Unless I am reading this wrong and missed something, I am still wondering why he/she didn't reccommend the *de-activated* one though? While I don't have MS, I am Type 2 diabetic ( mild, but still)... Also, I am in Canada and I don't *think* that the nasal vaccines are being given here... only the de-activated shot. Crap!!!  I am sooooooooooo confused( read: scared NOT to get it/ scared TO GET IT) with the whole thing !!!!!!!!!! And like I said in my inital post, both my daughter & DIL ( who is living with us right now) both work in the medical field.  MY DIL comes home each day after spending 8-12 HOURS at the hospital... I'm guessing that I WILL go for it but... again, what scares me the MOST is that I might be missing *something* information-wise, only since there are SOOOO many AGAINST the vaccine!!! <groan>

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• 10-27-2009 5:11 PM

  In reply to scrubsfiend

  jenn52 Joined on 08-11-2007 Ventura County, CA Posts 521 Points 130

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact scrubsfiend: Jenn, I just want to throw this out there: Doctors and the medical profession in general are highly skilled, trained, educated guessers who take what they have been taught as well as what they learn from experience and apply it.  They are humans just like you and me and do from time to time make mistakes.  But to discount years and years and years of knowledge based on internet science is foolish.  There is nothing wrong with research, from reputable sources (I do this all the time for my own personal health reasons), but I would highly recommend it not be a substitute for professional advice.  And it is all advice - take it or leave it.  As I am no doctor, I take it unless I have legitimate reason to question.  Your gut is good for that Again, why do you all assume all my information is from the internet?  Just because i posted one link?  I've never used that site until I read the questions, which I did say in my post was the point.. not their answers...questions we should be asking.  I have been seeing a naturopath for several years, which is where I have learned a lot.  I also have gone to a few acupuncturists and my doctor currently is a highly regarded doctor here in So. Cal and while he is a western trained medical doctor, he also believes in alternative medicine.  I understand where you are all coming from, I was there before, but luckily through various experiences I have learned that not everything regarding health is in a medical school text book.  Also, I suppose I should not take a bit of advice from any of you regarding dogs, because afterall, you are just on the internet.

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• 10-27-2009 5:29 PM

  In reply to jenn52

  sheltiemom Joined on 09-10-2007 North of Montreal, Quebec Posts 73 Points 0

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact Jenn52...  EXACTLY what I am thinking!! ( well... maybe except for the *dog part!  lol)  Are we doing something *wrong* for them( the viruses) to be becoming more and more virulent ? Is there a Natural/homeopatic way to better deal with all these viruses that keep hitting us, harder and harder each time? Some DR's are hard-core advocates for hand-sanitizer, then you get the others that say : we are OVER sanitizing, shouldn't be afraid of germs and should be building up natural immunitities...  WHERE, oh where is my *plastic bubble* when I want it most !!

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• 10-27-2009 5:48 PM

  In reply to sheltiemom

  sheltiemom Joined on 09-10-2007 North of Montreal, Quebec Posts 73 Points 0

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact This just in our 'local news": Several Montreal schools sent hundreds of students home yesterday with H1N1 flu symptoms – fever and cough – fanning fears that the swine flu epidemic has struck. Among the worst hit was Kuper Academy in Kirkland where an estimated 200 high school children were either sent home yesterday or kept at home by anxious parents. The Montreal Health and Social Services Agency, which has asked schools to report an absentee rate of 10 per cent or higher, is refusing to provide any information on status of the illness on the island, including the current confirmed cases of H1N1. http://www.montrealgazette.com/fears+Schools+send+students+home/2151610/story.html Ok... WHY in the world would they REFUSE ( bold above is from me) to provide any info??? Mind boggling, to say the least !!!

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• 10-27-2009 6:25 PM

  In reply to sheltiemom

  jenn52 Joined on 08-11-2007 Ventura County, CA Posts 521 Points 130

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact sheltiemom: is refusing to provide any information on status of the illness on the island, including the current confirmed cases of H1N1. There was a big CBS story about how Swing Flu cases are being overestimated.  People are forgetting there are a lot of politics behind this as well.  Also, I believe all the antibacterial soaps are not good for you.  Regular soap is just fine.  The chemicals in antibacterial soap combine with the clorinated water to create cholorform... cause that is so great for you.  The hand soap here at work states on the bottle to limit your time in the sun because using the soap increases chances for burn.  Ummmm not okay in my book.

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• 10-27-2009 6:31 PM

  In reply to Kim_MacMillan

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 11,729 Points 1,020

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact Kim_MacMillan: Wellll....coming from a purely scientific background, I've learned that there is no such thing as as unbiased scientist. I know people will hate to believe that, but...it's true. We have even discussed that in just about every immuno, bio, chem, and behavioural class I've taken. It's not that the research may not be valid, but every study produced does come with it's own personal biased spin....something so simple as how a statement is worded. I didn't go to med school, but I did study immunology, microbiology, and physiology for four years, so I would like to think I'm not depending on "quack" science. I know how vaccines work, why they work, and how they effect change in the body and cause you to produce antibodies to those antigens. But, I also know some of the vehicles those vaccines use to inject vaccines, what those antigens are grown on and what animal tissues are used in making vaccines. I am also aware of the many diseases, especially in young children, that were not existant or were very minimal "many years ago", that today are only increasing in frequency, and are being studied as to whether long-term vaccine use, and even short-term vaccine use, has contributed to these diseases. No, one should not base their decisions on internet webpages or anecdotal evidence. But would be nice if folks don't assume that people who choose not to get the vaccine are somehow ignorant or uneducated. Just as many totally educated folks are blatantly refusing to get the vaccine as any non-scientific person.   I never said that people who refuse vaccines are uneducated, and I hope you don't think I was intimating that, or that *you* were relying on quack science - although I do see a lot of that all over the Internet.  I merely said that I prefer to see studies done by reputable people who are, at least, trained in the sciences.  I also understand that we ALL have personal biases of one kind or another, but at least if someone can direct me to a study, and let me read it for myself, hopefully I can try to figure out whether I agree with the results (I didn't like taking that statistics course when I did, but at least it gave me somewhat of an idea...).  But, I am also not *automatically* suspicious of large companies (though, sometimes I am).  And, I am not always dismissive of anecdotal evidence, either.  What bothers me is the almost religious refusal of some people to even examine studies that don't agree with their pre-formed opinions.  I'm glad they are studying the childhood diseases that are making a comeback, but I hope they also review the "shelf life" of the immunity that vaccines offered, as well as any causal link between the vaccines and the incidence. Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 1/2 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 10-27-2009 6:43 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-28-2008 South of Boston Posts 3,052 Points 250

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact spiritdogs: What bothers me is the almost religious refusal of some people to even examine studies that don't agree with their pre-formed opinions.  That bothers me as well....Jenny McCarthy comes to mind. She has done a lot of hard work making the public more aware or Autism (which I applaud her for) BUT some parents then decided to jump right on the bandwagon- without reading up on any medical studies or information- to decided whether to vaccinate their kids or not. Really, you (general) want to base your child's health decisions on what Jenny McCarthy says???? -Stephanie blacklabbie.weebly.com Apollo- black Labrador Retriever Molson- buff American Cocker Spaniel Patty- black American Cocker Spaniel

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• 10-27-2009 7:25 PM

  In reply to BlackLabbie

  denise m Joined on 12-06-2006 Toronto Canada Posts 1,605 Points 200	Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact BlackLabbie: Really, you (general) want to base your child's health decisions on what Jenny McCarthy says????   You could always base it on Suzanne Summers. LOL!!!
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• 10-27-2009 7:50 PM

  In reply to denise m

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-28-2008 South of Boston Posts 3,052 Points 250

  Re: H1N1 vaccine Reply Contact denise m: BlackLabbie: Really, you (general) want to base your child's health decisions on what Jenny McCarthy says????   You could always base it on Suzanne Summers. LOL!!!  Ohhhh yes, how could I forget Suzanne Summers "hormone theories", LMAO! -Stephanie blacklabbie.weebly.com Apollo- black Labrador Retriever Molson- buff American Cocker Spaniel Patty- black American Cocker Spaniel

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