Swine-Flu Vaccine:Yay or Nay

If you've followed me for any length of time, you'll know where I stand on certain hot button topics: breastfeeding, circumcision, the current AAP vaccine schedule. I live by this credo: I do not judge what you do with your child so I ask that you kindly shut your opinion-hole on mine.

This week, I mentioned I got the re-enrollment forms for my children's dayhome. Technically, it's a woman who takes care of children in her home, but she is certified by the state of NJ. This means she must be inspected and hold to the NJ laws regarding health, wellness, dietary needs, number of children (no more than 5), outdoor play, etc. This also includes vaccination.

I vaccinated Charlotte according to the AAP guidelines, being a first time mother and listening to my pediatrician whom I trust. But when I became pregnant with Sawyer and when I found out he was a boy who are three-four times more likely to develop Autism (a condition I am not convinced is not affected by vaccination, though I do believe it is not the cause), I did more research. Mike and I talked and talked. We decided he would be vaccinated, but on OUR schedule which mostly follows Dr. Sears' alternative vaccine schedule.

He did not get the Hep B in the hospital as a newborn. He did not get varicella (chicken pox). He never gets more than two shots per visit and never two new ones at a time. If he's due for two new ones or more than two, I will bring him back two weeks apart. Because the MMR is three vaccines in one and loaded with mercury and other toxins, he will not be getting that until he has to enter school.

However, I am firmly of the mindset that you do what you feel is right for your child and I'll do what I feel is right for mine.

Except, here in the state of NJ, the government feels they can dictate to parents what the right thing to do for their child is. They have made certain vaccines like the flu shot mandatory for entrance in any school or daycare. Because my children's dayhome is state licensed, they must meet these requirements. I also trust that our provider has the children's best interests in mind - she has cared for them since they were tiny infants. I know she is only concerned about their safety and well-being.

Charlotte and all of us got the flu shot last year because it was required and there was a small infant in the house. This year, we will all get it as well. I am not thrilled about it, but it's been around for a long time and we've all gotten it without any problem.

The thing that got me was on the state forms to fill out, the words "And Swine Flu Vaccine When Available" were written in. I looked at Mike and said, "I'll quit my job first."

There's no way on this earth that I am giving my infant son or toddler daughter a vaccine that isn't even OUT yet.

In 1976, when the swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix happened, President Ford ordered an immediate call for a vaccine. Within days of the new vaccine being delivered, people were dying. More people died from the vaccine than the flu. I get that this time around, they have learned from that and are not rushing and are doing adequate testing, but if I'm being honest, that doesn't really assuage many of my fears.

The vaccine is expected to be out this October and I'm not sure if NJ will make it a law or if my childcare provider will make it a requirement. But I can tell you this much: I am much more scared of the dangers of a new vaccine than I am of the virus.

It's scary to think that if I don't vaccinate my children against this, that they may in fact get the H1N1 virus and get very sick from it. But if I do get the vaccine, they could suffer from a myriad of reactions, including Guillain-Barre Syndrome and death. They're babies for chrissakes, how can I expect their little immune system to be able to handle such a vaccine?

The scariest part is the fact that it seems I have little choice in the matter: vaccinate my children or keep them home with a babysitter or nanny, rather than in the dayhome provider's house they've grown to love and feel as family.

What about you: what's your take on the H1N1 vaccine and children? or yourself for that matter?