one mom's conflict over the H1N1 vaccine...
Yesterday I posted a question on facebook asking people to give their opinions on getting the flu vaccine as well as the vaccine for H1N1. I am amazed at the strong and passionate feelings that were behind people's choices for and against these vaccines. I just do not have such a strong viewpoint on what to do for me and my family at this time.
Usually I trust the opinions and advice of doctors. Generally speaking it seems valid to say doctors have learned a lot more on the subject of health through education than I can learn by consulting the internet. I know I personally hate when someone claims to have more knowledge of literature than I do, and my education only required an extra two years. I can only imagine how trying it is for health care professionals to have their views questioned based on the opinions of some reactionary but strongly voiced people. Because I try to follow the doctor's advice, I get the other vaccines that are recommended for my children at the time that they are recommended.
Unfortunately, at this time we are without a trusted family doctor with whom I feel heard when voicing my fears and concerns. Who am I then supposed to turn to with my questions about the supposed mercury-content of the shot? What about the fact that people are saying the vaccine was produced too quickly without going through proper testing? What about my friend's doctor who is not recommending the vaccine for her son? Why is his opinion different from 90% of other doctors? Is the H1N1 really causing as many deaths as we hear about or is the media in cahoots with pharmaceutical companies to capitalize on people's fear?
Continued on the next page
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