I came here today knowing this topic would be up. I have read each comment through and would like to add a little of my own. I am someone who has never taken the seasonal flu vaccine nor have I given it to my children. This is the first time I am considering a flu type vaccine. This morning on our local radio show our public health board along with a Dr. Were on air to answer call in questions. Just this past Monday a very healthy 13 year old boy died from H1N1. It has been a confirmed case. What scares me is this boy was healthy. He was an active 13 year old, who just wasn't feeling well and before the symptoms even became severe he was dead. Also last week the same happened to a 10 year old girl.
My concerns are if this is such a pandemic, why are children 6 months to 5 years of age still only a priority? I would think all children would be a priority after this. They do not want us taking our children to get this shot unless they are in the age bracket or they have asthma. To me I think my childs health is just as important, and how long will I have to wait until all of the priority cases have their shots first, but that time it could be to late.
Another thing I do not understand is if this flu is that severe WHY would they not close the schools? I spoke with our school principle yesterday and his response was they have been directed by the board and by the health unit that all schools will remain open no matter what the numbers are in the classrooms. The schools also will NOT send home any letters to inform parents of any confirmed cases of H1N1 within the school because it is a breech of privacy. (Why would this be considered a breech of privacy and yet I get notes when a child has been found to have head lice or chicken pox?) As a parent I want to know if Jimmy who sits next to my daughter has been found to have H1N1. Would there be anything I could do? No But I would not take it so lightly if my daughter says she's not feeling well the next morning.
They (health board) have also said this virus can linger in your system for up to 4-6 weeks.
It was recommended for people with MS.
This shot does not contain any live virus so you will not get sick like you have a chance of with the regular seasonal vaccine.
The Dr's will not be confirming if you have H1N1 unless you press for it because they do not want their blood labs getting over crowded.
These are just a few of the points addressed today. I did call in to the show and only got 2 questions in, but I really could of taken over the show. I have many many questions about all of this and I'm having a hard time getting straight answers from my Dr., Telehealth, the health unit, and the clinic staff.
I'm actually getting angry about it because I feel like I'm being scared into it, especially after the recent death of this boy.
Sorry I wrote so much, but I really could keep going on this. :)