To vaccinate or not vaccinate...that is the question...

Does anyone out there really know the risks? There are so many conflicting reports from the media.

there is a difference between the vaccination in the states and in canada. much of the noise about the danger is coming from the states. the states have developed a "live virus" vaccination. the canadian shot is a "dead virus" vaccination. the body reacts to both in a similar way, but one can actually get the flu from the "live" virus. (my understanding of the difference)

talk to your family doc and they will give you a realistic evaluation of the risks and who should get the shot. most of the negative talk in canada is coming from people with no medical training (conventional or alternative) and should be listened to with that in mind.

as a note, far more folks are killed in auto accidents every day then are dying from the flu. be doubly safe--get the shot and quit riding around in cars. you're likely to be far better off. and healthier all the way around.

[quote=lifetimelocal]To vaccinate or not vaccinate...that is the question...
[/quote]

A better question would be: why are people willing to seek health advice from anonymous people on the internet with no expertise?

Why can't we trust every single health official that all tell us we should vaccinate? Why don't we trust our elected representatives who all tell us the same thing? "Trust no one, question everything" is the prevailing attitude among many people these days.

Here's some advice... listen to people who know what they're talking about. Not anonymous internet posters, and certainly not Fox News.

amen

Take it easy Trailhead...I guess you'll be lining up for the shot!

Who said that I was seeking advice? I was merely asking what people's opinions were on this since it is so very divided and it's interesting to see what people's thoughts are. There are people buying into the mass hysteria and lining up for hours on end for a vaccination that may or may not prevent this flu. Then, there are people who are absolutely against it, despite recommendations from these health officials and elected representatives. I have spoken with several health care officials who refuse to get this shot, just as they have refused the regular flu shot in the past. I have spoken to others who are steadfast on trusting the vaccine.

For the record, I would never base my own health decisions on Fox News, (or any other news outlet), anonymous internet posters, OR our elected officials for myself and my young children. My own doctor is even on the fence about the vaccine.

I have made my decision with regard to this. I was just curious to see what others have done or going to do.

Good points, but I will continue to 'question everthing' just as I was taught- that's how I know not to trust Fox News

My health professional, a highly respected practitioner here in Fernie certainly doesn't offer a blanket recommedation to get the vaccination. Instead, they offer a large amount of information regarding vaccinations in general, statistics regarding deaths and occurences and, in particular, testing requirements and how relaxed they were over this particular vaccine due to the WHO declaring the H1N1 a pandemic.

From the Health Canada Website - "Health Canada has authorized the sale of Arepanrix™ H1N1 based on limited clinical testing in humans under the provision of an Interim Order (IO) issued on October 13, 2009. The authorization is based on the Health Canada review of the available data on quality, safety and immunogenicity, and given the current pandemic threat and its risk to human health, Health Canada considers that the benefit/risk profile of the Arepanrix™ H1N1 vaccine is favourable for active immunization against the H1N1 2009 influenza strain in an officially declared pandemic situation.

Everybody should make up their own mind but I don't see a problem with people asking for information and opinions.

Don't do it!!!

If you're thinking about doing it, take a bit of time to research everything else that they're injecting you with with this vaccine.

Your right that you should take the time to become informed about the vaccine. If you did the research and asked the right questions then you would see that this virus is deadly and is killing people. The vaccine is the number one line of defense along with washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and stay at home if you are sick. Please call your local health unit, Dr.s, or the BC Nurses line

Sunshine has it right. A good way to make sure that H1N1 will cause problems is if a large percentage of people do not get vaccinated. I am just waiting for polio to rear its head, as so many misinformed people are not getting their children vaccinated these days.

My previous post was not meant a as personal criticism, but as a general comment on our society's trust in its "experts". Our faith in the opinions of people with knowledge, authority & responsibility is at an all time low. We see conspiracy in everything. Media like Fox News feed on this paranoia and propagate it with misinformation.

Personally, I have no fear of the H1N1 vaccine. If it's readily available I'll get a shot. However I won't line up for more than a few minutes, so whether or not I get it depends more on availability and convenience than on fear and paranoia.

Finally, I find it amusing that many of the people I know that see potential harm in the vaccine regularly engage in activities known to be harmful like smoking. Some people that don't trust the safety of vaccines have no problem getting a tattoo or buying weed and other street drugs of questionable origin. Go figure.