We received the vaccination letter for Lucas more than a week ago and so far we haven't come to a decision yet...
This topic of vaccination has been in the news for months, and because of the sudden widespread disease here in the SW where schools are closing due to the outbreak, suddenly the vaccination centers are getting filled with people waiting in line to get the injection. Previously a lot of people were reluctant to get the injection, including medical workers. A majority of people I spoke to are still uncertain about the safety of the H1N1 vaccines, and are worried about the potential side effects, especially the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome which can cause paralysis or death in severe cases.
The most commonly reported side effects of H1N1 vaccination remain pain, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection. Headache, fever, fatigue, and muscular aches are also common, though less so, and generally go away within two days of getting the shot.
The most common worry is the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Although there have been only two cases reported in France in possible connection to the vaccine, it continues to be a major concern for many, including Fred & I.
Another concern is the worry that the H1N1 vaccine may not be effective for long as mutations of H1N1 have been reported in a number of places. These mutations have not spread beyond a few individuals, and so far the vaccine has remained effective against the mutated H1N1 viruses but it still raises concern in many people that if the mutations continue and the vaccine becomes ineffective, what's the point of taking the vaccine now and exposing oneself to Guillain-Barre?
Also causing worry is the safety of the small amounts of mercury in H1N1 vaccines used as a preservative in the multi-dose formulas. Thimerosal has been found in the multi-dose vaccine and contains a form of mercury. It's ethyl mercury, which is likely not as toxic as some other forms. Even so, mercury can't be good for your body. People who want to avoid thimerosal-containing flu vaccines should get the single-syringe shots.
Last night after the news showed thousands of people lining up to get the vaccine and the start of vaccination to all school going children today nationwide in schools and colleges, Fred says that if so many people are getting vaccinated, the number of swine flu cases will decrease so there should not be a need for Lucas to get the vaccine...
Methinks the Minister of Health is under fire for over ordering the amount of vaccines paid for by the taxpayers and so needs the whole nation to take the vaccines collectively which is why there is so much hype about the number of people going for the injections. After all, people attract people right?
Would you take the vaccine? Would you give your kids the vaccine? In France we have been given the choice of saying no. Everyone is so uncertain about this vaccine, its making us stressed out just thinking about it. But for now, this is a moot point as Lucas is having a cold and a cough - we need to wait for him to recover before we come to a decision.
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I'm having the same dilemma, don't know if I should take it or not. I like the logic that if so many people are taking it, then the risk is lower for others who didn't take.
ReplyDeleteWah.. so many side effects ah!! And you asked me to take... :P
ReplyDeleteDitto here. My youngest is a 2 year old, so he gets priority over my eldest son who is 3 1/2 (who has not received the famous letter yet). Like you guys, this topic swarms the air in our house although my husband's comments include that this broohaha over the vaccination is typically French. Whilst the rest of the world are jumping at such opportunity, the French almost always digs deeper. Is this a good check and balance habit? For you to decide and us to boggle our minds over. However, I would like to add that apparently, the vaccine only takes full effect after the second shot is given, 2 weeks after the initial one is administered. Also, compared to the common "flu" that the people here are prone to be infected with come the cold season (for which this common flu vaccine is available and usually taken as a prevention at the beginning of winter) the H1N1 flu virus attacks drastically the respiratory system, ie. the lungs etc. which can result in pneumonia, a dangerous illness to have in young children especially.
ReplyDeleteAre we over-analysing? Are we paranoid? Or are these legitimate worries? Here's something to ponder about - do we realise that all those compulsory vaccinations our babies have had earlier also carry minute risks similarly grave to that of the swine flu jab?... The difference being that this one is "of the moment" and is being inevitably highlighted by the media.
In the end, the biggest question remains... do we or don't we?...
Still in a dilemma :(
ReplyDeleteApparently the ones who stand to benefit the most from the vaccine are the politicians, the pharmaceutical companies and the doctors... so is this a marketing hype by the media to create fear in the people so that more will get the vaccine?
We never really made our minds up but after hearing about the death of that healthy 6 year old after she was infected, it disturbed us greatly. My 2 year old got his jab last week and my husband, who was just accompanying him (i.e. without any "letter") was offered and given the vaccination too. We have just received the letter for our 3 1/2 year old and I will be going with him tomorrow in hoping that I will be able to get vaccinated too. We live in Saint Maur, a small town 10 mins from Chateauroux. It's not exactly Paris, but my husband makes at least a twice weekly trip by train there.
ReplyDeleteAdam showed no side effects up till now but husband is feeling a little fatigued due to the jab. So far, all is ok.
Think wisely.
Dida - we made up our mind to bring Lucas for his jab but we can't do it now as he is still coughing and has a cold. Think the side effects will be more prominent for the grown ups... Was there a long queue for you when you went to the vaccination center?
ReplyDelete