arguments for not getting the H1N1 shot?

[Elizabeth2008]

I never get the seasonal flu shot and have never given it to DS. I know they contain mercury and i believe them to be totally ineffective because they are guessing about what type of flu may be coming out way. Also, I have no fears of us getting really sick from the flu since the people who die from it tend to be immune compromised populations.

But, I'm wondering about this flu. Seems to be killing some people who are healthy. And since the flu was around last spring, they may have been able to create an effective vaccine since they actually have the strain. Am I off base? I really DON'T want to vaccinate for this, but was hoping someone could help me out by making the case for why this shot is a bad idea. Especially because I will need to explain it to my parents who are very pro flu shot! thanks

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

To new and untested for me to even consider it. Having had all 4 in my family get h1n1 already and all of us coming through it with very few issues I wouldnt consider it in the future. My dd has asthma and has done the best of all of us.

[ema-adama]

Think about why you need to explain your health choices to your parents.

Do a methodical risk benefit analysis for the particular vaccine, inclusing evidence of the efficacy of the vaccine, risks for the vaccine as well as the risks of the disease.

[Sailor]

Well, I'm a non vaxer anyway ... so when people ask me, I just whip out my non-vax research and apply it to this vaccine.

Beyond that, it's too new and untested. It won't protect against all strands. And, frankly, even my mom's neurologist (my mom has MS, and is on a medication that destroys her immune system) told her not to get it.

I don't really see why you need to explain it to your parents. It's your decision. End of story.

[carriebft]

I think the testing argument is pretty sound-- go to clinical trials.gov and look at the trials for H1N1. Due to the need to rush the data/get the vaccine out there, you will see that these studies are giving 'preliminary data' this month, which is being used to approve the vaccine.

But each study is following the recipients for 180 days after their last study vaccination, and that data will not be available until March or later.

So, you do not have the full safety data for this vaccine coming out until much later than the actual vaccine is being approved.

[MoonWillow]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ement.php?f=47