Hit me with your best [H1N1] shot

On Monday, I took my kids to get the H1N1 shot. 

I'd been on the fence about it since I knew they were coming out with it.

Like many people, I was unsure of its efficacy and I was concerned about the side effects and the lack of testing.

And considering there was no way in hell I was getting the older two the flu mist (an active virus) since they're both on cold #Ican'tkeeptrackanymore and Margot would actually be at risk getting it, we decided to hold off.

Contrary to what my past vaccination discussions might have led you to believe, I'm a very cautious vaxer.

But then I read an interesting piece by Dr. Sears, author of The Vaccine Book and subject of much scrutiny by the pro-vaccination community due to his support of a delayed and selective vaccination schedule as well as a cautious, conservative approach to vaccinating in general. 

I respect his opinion and appreciated the information he provided in his post.

And quite frankly, it convinced me that I should get my kids the shot.

Weighing the risks of getting H1N1, particularly since my kids are within the high risk group (healthy kids under 5), with the risks from the vaccine, which was made in the exact same manner as the regular flu vaccine which my kids were fine with last year, I decided it was worth it. 

But then like most of America, I couldn't find the damn shot anywhere.

My pediatrician wasn't offering it, and no pediatrician offices that were offering it were giving it to anyone other than their patients. And Kaiser wasn't giving it to non-members, and the military base didn't have it.

And so I was left checking my local Public Health Department website daily, waiting for the red check to turn green.

I was doing okay with it all, even after I accidentally on purpose watched both the Nightline and the 60 Minutes segments on H1N1. I'd click on the daily slew of Yahoo! news links about it, fend off the questions from my husband during our brief and infrequent phone conversations, and even brush off the fact that kids in our neighborhood and at my daughter's school had it. 

But then my hypochondriacal mom came to visit, and that combined with practically everyone I follow on twitter having it basically sent me over the edge into "I MUST GET THE SHOT NOW" mode, which was made about 400 times worse because I still couldn't find the shot.

Aside from the confusion about who's truly at risk, along with 4000 questions that people have about the actual vaccine, it's all completely moot because even if you do want the shot for your children, it's nearly impossible to find. The local TV stations here in Atlanta did a special (which I actually missed) and a few sites have posted links to supposed lists of providers, all of which are basically doctors and health clinics that offer the regular flu shot and tell you "Please call this provider to check on H1N1 availability" - you know, in your free time - only for the person on the other end to nearly laugh at you.

There are numerous reports of low risk patients having access to the shot over high risk patients. And while the CVS clinics are getting it, they are releasing them only a few states at a time.

And just last night, a few bloggers informed me that it seems as though doctor's offices are lying to their patients, saying that they don't have the shots when they really do.

It's beyond frustrating. In fact, when you keep getting inundated with images and stats and bad news, it's downright scary.

And then when you do happen to find the shot (like I did), and wait in line at the Community Health Center with lots of sick people (like I did), you have to deal with the fact that you will probably not have access to the mercury-free shot (like I did).

Regardless of the amount of thimerosal in the shot (which is a small, trace amount), it's a fair concern for parents - including me. But then you have to wonder if you're actually going to be able to find somewhere else in the next few weeks, heck month even, that's offering the shot without the thimerosal. And you have to consider whether it's worse not getting it because of that. 

It's really messed up.

Seriously, they should offer the parents a stiff drink with the bugs bunny bandaid.

So far, we're all okay here. No flu. No bad reactions.

And I admit that my anxiety level has greatly decreased, though I'd love to kick these damn douchey colds in the ass once and for all. 

On some level, I do feel a little suckered by the extensive and often times sensational media coverage.

On the other hand, I do feel as though I'd rather be suckered by media coverage than stuck with a bunch of really sick kids.

How about you? Are you getting the H1N1 vaccine? Tell me your experiences in finding it, getting it, or why you're not getting it. I'll be speaking about it on CNN this Friday morning at 10:30am. While I'm not an expert nor am I a health care professional, I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about the H1N1 mist and shot based on my experience and personal research.

[Related post; Interview with Dr. Paul Offit]

Comments

[discount coach]

when we come to judge others, it is not by ourselves as we really are that we judge them, but by an image that we have formed of ourselves

[CastilloValerie28]

Don't you know that this is correct time to get the www.lowest-rate-loans.com, which would make your dreams come true.

[Kara Holman Walls]

I work for a State Hospital in Florida, so I had access to both flu vaccines (for free). My husband and I have both had both flu vaccines. My 13 month old son will also be getting both flu vaccines as soon as my Pediatrician has them available.

[Scarlett]

Kristen! I am so sorry! I just realized I misspelled your name in my original post.

[Emily R]

The Dangers of H1N1 in Pregnant Women...

http://healthcare-research.suite101.com/article.cfm/h1n1_virus_killing_pregnant_women

[Scarlett]

My 30 month old received MedImmunes nasal spray. Twenty four hours after the mist, she said her head hurt and her body hurt. No other side effects. Pre-registration was required (by phone or on-line). Only county residents and people meeting high risk criteria were allowed to register. The clinic was held at one of our local high schools (in the evening). There were several check points along the way and it went smoothly. More of the vaccine has become available and another clinic is scheduled. They have expanded those who qualify to include people up to 24 years of age. My 10 year old has an appointment for that clinic. A neighboring county opened a one day clinic. No pre-registration or requirements (including that you didn’t need to be a resident of that county). According to friends, it was a chaotic nightmare.

Beyond the obvious supply issue at the Federal level, I think how well it goes for people depends largely on how their local health officials are handling dispensing the vaccines. How did some communities get the vaccines and others didn’t? Did it depend on how quickly and effectively they applied? If so, then people need to direct some of their frustration at a local level and hold those people accountable.

It has been frustrating to wait for more of the vaccine to become available. Yet it takes time for the vaccine to be made, so I believe everyone is doing their best. Children have been sick at my son’s school. I worry that by the time he gets the vaccine and becomes fully protected, it might be too late.

My kids have never received a flu vaccine. We’ve followed some suggestions made my Dr. Sears in The Vaccine Book (declining some vaccines, delaying others, etc.) I was also on the fence. Not all vaccines are equally important. As time passed and more and more children were dying and our local area became harder hit, it led us to decide it was the best choice.

Kirsten, here is my question: How effective is the nasal spray compared to an injection? Is there any concern regarding “operator error”? My daughter was struggling even before the first spray and even harder to hold down for the next nostril. I couldn’t help but wonder if the nurse was able to administer the spray correctly with all of her movement Then she cried and cried (my daughter, not the nurse;-) ). Which led me to wonder if she wasn’t just secreting it all out in her mucus. She will need a second dose and I know she will resist even more.

Thank you for writing about this in your blog. I love the good laughs I get by visiting your site, but I appreciate that you are willing to address serious topics like this one.

[Been there done that]

I have a three month old baby, a two year old, and a nineteen year old with a history of asthma. I was really afraid of getting N1H1, especially with the word on preexisting conditions and the fact that every one in our community told me there was no treatment for the baby.

My oldest works at McDonalds, and being exposed to all those people, of course brought the flu home to us. Myself, my husband, the two year old, and my oldest. We sent the baby out of the house to stay with relatives to try to avoid his exposure. It was too late, he got it too and I just cried. My oldest son went to the hospital after his DR. told us his temperature was not high enough to worry about. Her exact words were "oh that's nothing" High temperature or not, he tested positive.
We were all treated with Tamiflu and were fine. I felt bad for about a day and half. My two year old acted the complete opposite of sick. He was bouncing off the walls. We took the baby to Childrens Hospital and they DID treat him, even though my local hospital said they wouldn't. The grandparents who took the baby, who had the vaccine, got sick anyway.
I think they are just trying to scare everyone into getting the vaccine. The vaccine isn't providing total immunity, and if you get a Dr. who will actual treat with Tamiflu early, before fevers are sky high, the symptoms weren't that bad for us. I can tell you I was much sicker last year with the regular flu.
I realize the flu of any kind is serious, but after our experience and that of two of my friends whose children had it as well. I don't think it's as bad as they make it out to be. We will not be getting the shot now. The shot is to provide immunity, which we just acquired naturally. Why would the Dr. still recommend people who have had it to get the shot anyway if it weren't a money making scheme for the drug maker?

[Mbdiamond]

Our whole family got the shot... we're in Central Canada and since distribution of the vaccine, like all healthcare up here, is handled differently by each province, our experience is different than your commenters from Quebec and BC. They started the H1N1 clinic over three weeks ago... and while they promoted high-risk individuals to get the shot first, they weren't turning anyone away. We went in because we have a 3 year old, and a 10 year old with Athsma. But were told "we just do families together", so my husband & I and our 8 year old also got it. We were in and out in about 2.5 hrs.
Since then, the vaccine supplier has been late delivering their expected shipments - so they're being stricker on who can have what's on hand right now... but everyone's expected to be able to get back in line within the next couple of weeks.
Suppossedly the government has ordered more doses than the entire population of our country. I'm not sure what the point it that is... since there's no way 100% of the population wants it. Bit of a waste when obviously there are huge shortages elsewhere in the world.

[Aimee Greeblemonkey]

As I told a mom friend recently who was pondering the question - the effects of the H1N1 are more severe for kids, so for little ones like Declan who have asthma and lung issues, I am all about getting it. Him - not so hot in the idea.

[Deborah]

I would get it, since I have asthma and tend to get sick for a month after just a cold, but my allergist's office said they would not be getting the H1N1 vaccine. I've made do with the regular seasonal vaccine.

I would also get it for my kids (5 and 7) so that they don't give it to me. My pediatrician's office said they are using it for kids under 5, so the children are also just getting the seasonal flu shot.

Lots of handwashing here, and reminding the kids to keep their hands away from their faces! :) Meanwhile, I've stocked the house with non perishable food in case we get it so we don't need to go out and share our germs if we get sick.

[Happybell]

Just wanted to say that I'll be getting both shots as I classify as an at risk patient, if it weren't for that, I wouldn't be getting. I've never gotten the regular flu vaccine because I always remember when vaccination is no longer available (here, South American country, they stop vaccinating a couple of weeks into the winter for the flu).

Truth is, this flue is hitting hard because most people have no antibodies to fight it as it is a virus 'formed' by different flue virus most people have not been exposed to. Here, the Public Health Ministry said those who were most at risk were toddlers/young kids, pregnant women, middle aged adults -specially if they had previous conditions (diabetes, heart conditions, etc), and people whose immune system is compromised. They said the safest were those over 50 because chances are they were exposed to some of the strains it is made up of. This last winter, the first deaths reported where middle-aged people who had previous debilitating conditions, and 2 pregnant women. Most people rode it out fine, and chances are, many had it but confused it with a regular seasonal flu.

Also, here they did not advise to get Tamiflu. My uncle explained to the family why (he's a Dr specialized in Pharmacology): Tamiflu is only effective if administered within 48hs of the onset of symptoms, and only reduces a day or two the 'convalecence' period. He also said, people receiving Tamiflu were not showing any significant improvement. Besides, if used indiscrimantely, it helps the virus grow resistance to antivirals.

Like I said, I'll be getting the vaccine because I'm an at-risk patient, plus I work with people who travel all-over the world, so I want to reduce the risk of getting it.

[Amira @ Define "Mature"]

I LOOOOVE THE NEW LOOK!

P.S. I did comment about the H1N1 two days ago, so technically I stayed on topic, BUT I LOVE THE NEW LOOK!

lol
hope all is well =)

[Kait]

Just to clarify - if your child is compromised (asthma, etc) I think you're doing the right thing getting the shot. I just think people are getting all worked up over nothing.

[Kait]

I'm not vaccinating my children because it's just not that big of a deal. It's the flu people. It's not the end of the world.

And while having a clean home and washing your hands regularly ARE good habits, study after study has shown that our purell obsession is what's feeding our kids weak immune systems. They have no exposure to anything so they have no tolerance to it.

Again - it's the FLU. Not the end of the world.

[Haley-O (Cheaty)]

Great post. It's crazy being a parent these days. It's like, you HAVE to be medicated -- because the fear the media feeds us is unprecedented and out of control.

We did get the shot. We had NO ISSUE. I'm in Canada, so the situations a LITTLE different, but if you didn't go the first couple of days to get the shot (like I did, as soon as my pediatrician had it available), you were screwed. A lot of people are scrambling to get it now, and waiting in 6-hour line ups.

I'm not so concerned about the mercury in the shot. Or any of its other ingredients. At least, I'm trying not to get anxious about the what-ifs. People forget that there's so much in OUR FOOD that's untested -- from antibiotics and hormones to chemicals and colorants.

Again, thanks for putting this out there.

[Meredith]

I waited in line for three hours at one of the clinics my city held in a large public venue. It's pretty much the only place to find the vaccine around here.

The suckiest part is that the little ones will need a booster in 28 days and who even knows where I will find that next shot. I was told until they get the second shot they are only 36% immune.

At least there weren't too many sick people there because it was made pretty clear that sick people would not be given the shot.

[julie]

Montreal, Canada: They just started rolling out the vaccine today, for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Parents of those children will have to wait until Dec. 7.

Of course, this information changes almost daily.

Despite this, I hear reports of people receiving the shots as early as 2 weeks ago. It's infuriating.

The lines are long, with hundreds of people waiting at the designated 8 vaccinations centres, lining up as early as 4 or 5 am.

I'm so angry and so frustrated about this it's not even funny. So even though it's technically available, I'm still going to wait a few days for the fervor to die down.

Also? Our ingenious government is trying to compensate for this extra large fuck up by handing out 'coupons' with 'approximate times' on them so you don't actually have to wait there.

I should also mention that our vaccine is made differently from yours, I believe. Ours is based on the European version. Or so I've heard.

In any case, it terrifies me that this is how first world countries handle a pandemic.

[Barbi]

I was totally scared about the virus and freaking out. We were all going to get the shot. Then, 2 weeks before the vaccine came out, my 20 month old got the virus. He test positive. AND IT WAS NOTHING. Fever for 2 day, vomitting for 6 hours. I think the media may have done a number on all of us. My pediatrician says it is much more rampant than the regular flu, but not as bad (at least here in louisiana)

[Evan]

I guess the best thing to do to fight the spread of H1N1, or any other communicable disease for that matter, is to make sure that our homes are decently clean. We should also make sure that our hands are sanitized whenever we touch our babies.

[Keyona]

I've gotten it but like I said I REFUSE to get Lael the mist but if I can get her the shot I will. The problem? Finding the damn shot!

[hwilson]

We've chosen not to get our kids vaccinated. After discussing it with our pediatrician, as well as 2 doctors we know personally, we've thought that we would just "save" it for the people who really need it. Plus, 3 out of my 4 kids have actually contracted H1N1 in the last month; however, they've all bounced back very well. They were sick for about a week w/ high fevers and aches, but there were no complications. What frustrates me about the media is how they freak everybody out. Sure, there are people who are high risk and if I, or a family member of mine, were one of those high risk patients, I would be beyond worried. However, as 3 doctors have already told us, most "healthy" people are going to go through it just fine and live to tell about it.

[Stephanie]

Since I have students with H1N1, and Jason is subbing for teachers who have H1N1, I felt like my girls needed the vaccine. The chances of Jason or me getting H1N1 seem pretty high.

So, yesterday we went to the health department and waited in line. We got in line 90 minutes before the doors opened, and there were probably 150 people in front of us. After the doors opened, we had yet another 90 minute wait. At long last, my girls got the nasal vaccine (my two neices with me also got the nasal vaccine, while my 11 month old nephew got the shot).

If I had known I was going to wait 3 hours for the shot, I don't think I would have done it. But I'm glad I did. When we left the clinic at 6:30, there were at least 300 people still in line. Maybe more.

Hopefully in four weeks Kaiser will have vaccines available for the girls' follow-up. Fingers crossed.

Good look on your CNN appearance!

PS: Thanks for the link, too :)

[HMFT]

Both of my children received the H1N1 vaccine (3 and 11) with no wait, no worries. This is one of the perks of living in a small mountain town in North Carolina.

[Kate]

I went to my pedi for a well baby visit this morning, and complained about the lack of shot availability. Her voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned in and said "I have a secret stash" and lo and behold, my kid got his shot. I see my pediatrician socially sometimes...we have several friends in common, in fact she was at my house last night for a purse show. I guess I got preferential treatment and I feel kinda guilty about it. But very happy at the same time! I totally don't get why they are hiding doses? I called every day for two weeks and was told they had no idea when it would come, and I was put on a waiting list. WTF? I don't know her well enough to be like WTF to her face, but I am definitely all WTFish now. Oh well, at least we are one of the lucky VIP's! Now if we can just find some doses for the adults in the house.....

[tuesday]

I will not be getting the H1N1 vaccine for myself of my children. I said in the Spring when teh 1st case of this was "discovered" that then we will hear about an "epidemic" and then there will be a shortage of vaccines.
The media and big pharma (which will make BILLIONS off this 1 vaccine alone) uses scare tactics although MOST cases of the flu are mild. Also the people that died from the swine flu had underlying conditions and compromised immunity.
That being said, if my kids were high risk or if I wanted to get it I would be beyond pissed knowing that Goldman Sachs employees all had their shots while I couldn't find one anywhere!

[Brandi N.]

Here in Northern Minnesota, it is available to the high risk group (2-24 yr olds). The County Health Dept had a walk in clinic for this group, there was no waiting in lines, we just walked in and got the mist for our 12 yr. old. My 15 yr old son is Diabetic and can not have the mist, so we waited a few days for the shot, which he was able to get through the County Nurse at school. So it's pretty easy to get if you are in the high risk group.
Now, we as a family are traveling to Mexico in 2 weeks for vacation. Myself and Hubby are not able to get the vax... Not cool! I will keep calling, but since it takes 12-14 days to take effect, it may not cover us for the trip, anyways. But still important to me to get it.

[Mackenzie's Momma]

Well we seemed to luck out. Our local health district was running a number of flu shot clinics in town.

They were all drive-through and very easy.

The first one we attended(to get the toddler her vax as she was in the 'extra high risk' group that got priority) we drove to the designated place filled out a from pulled up to a nurse and she administered it right there in the car. Total time: 20 minutes

The next weekend we went back to get the rest of the family done(3 high risk individuals, and a health care worker). We got in line with the bazillion other cars snaked our way through to the same park and filled out the same forms and got the shots the same way. Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes.

While the second time through was a bit more annoying(more people packed in the car, longer wait time) it was VERY well organized, and everyone was very polite. No one cut in line, or was rude to those drivers around them. They all moved in an orderly fashion and followed the 'rules'. It was really amazing to see and I heard from my dad(who was working the event as a volunteer) that they didn't have a *single* 'problem' with people getting rude.

The biggest plus though was that the whole wait time was spent in the car. Not standing outside in line, not in a room full of sick people, but in a nice toasty warm car.

[Melissa Beth]

San Antonio, TX - My boys are both allergic to eggs, so we have no choice - no flu vaccines (swine, bird, or otherwise) for us. Both boys (5 and 16 months) got H1N1 when the local elementary school absentee rate hit 21% and it was hard to find anyone who did NOT have it (or teachers who could teach the classes because they were all home with THEIR sick kids.) I am far less concerned with vaccine shortage as I was when there was an extreme Tamiflu shortage. There was such a shortage of Tamiflu in San Antonio that children were going days without it... and developing pneumonia, dehydration, and fever-related symptoms waiting for it. That is when the H1N1 starts to become dangerous... when not treated right away.

My 16-mo-old developed pneumonia three weeks after finishing his Tamiflu when he could not shake the cough. Still on breathing treatments...

Best of luck staying flu-free in your house... and best of luck on Friday. You'll do great.

[sybil]

We, (me, hubs, & 2 daughters) did not get the vax & I'm 99% sure we all had h1n1. I'm an acupuncturist & practioner of chinese herbal medicine so it was homemade chicken soup, ban lan gan tea, cupping for congestion, and taking temps every 30 seconds.

[Emily]

I was able to get my two older boys the mist and my 18 month old the shot. No reactions and they have all been well....I, on the other hand, got the H1N1 flu. Let me tell you from experience, it is as bad as they say it is! I didn't die, but I wanted to. I had to go to the doctor's office 3 times to have a Nebulizer treatment b/c I couldn't breathe and my oxygen levels kept dipping into the 80s. I was on a strict schedule alternating Advil and Tylenol, but that just kept my fever at a safe degree (like 101 instead of 105). I'm a very healthy 31 year old woman, but this flu hit me hard. The flu went around my office where I work part-time. There were 10 confirmed cases. Several people were in the hospital for at least a night. We all recovered and are fine now (except for the lingering, horrible cough that my doctor said might take all winter to fully subside).

So, I'm glad that I got my kids vaccinated when I did and even risked my baby getting a shot with the thimerosol. If it saved her from what I experienced, it was worth the risk!!

[Nicole]

I'm Canadian, so my experience is a bit different. The H1n1 vaccine is available for certain groups (which I listed in this post: http://resolvingtimelineissues.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/open-letters-h1n1-vaccine-and-people-who-suck/).

I fall into one of those categories: caregiver of a child under 6 months of age. I became eligible this past Monday. I have an appointment with my doctor next monday for both shots.

At any rate, there is a big concern about queue jumping here, both specifically for the vaccine and generally for the medical system. For the public clinics the health authorities are holding, the lineups are crazy here in BC and there's a shortage of the vaccine at the moment (but more is coming - its just taking some time). We have no public clinics in our city or the one immediately to the west. The nearest ones are a 45 minute drive east or west, and there's another one about an hour east. So I decided to phone my doctor instead of waiting in line. Quite honestly, if he didn't have it, I would have gotten the seasonal flu shot and gone on my merry way.

Darren had some sort of illness last week - really bad and we suspect it was H1N1, but neither myself nor the Poptart got it.

The poptart is actually 5.5 months old. She goes in for her 6 months needles in a couple of weeks and we may switch that to an H1N1 vax depending on what my doctor says on Monday.

Oh and queue jumpers suck. The priority list exists for a reason. Calgary Flames and Abbotsford Heat, I'm looking at you.

[prescott]

An interesting article on the subject:

http://www.slate.com/id/2234342/

Long story short, the reason for the shortage is that the H1N1 vaccine is being prepared just like every other flu vaccine -- so if you regularly get your family flu shots it doesn't seem like there's a reason to avoid H1N1. In fact, I read elsewhere that if there had been a little more advanced notice it would have been rolled into the "regular" vaccine, anyway.

[Mrs. Q.]

Media hype or not, the threat here is real-- there are already about 50 confirmed cases at our elementary school in southeastern Massachusetts. Luckily, my little guy is still in preschool (but likely in class with kids who have siblings in elementary-- gah). Last spring, the same elementary school closed two days before summer break because of another outbreak. It was ugly. So I figured the vaccine risk was nothing compared to the fungus swirling about town.

I got us the seasonal flu shot (kids are 2 and 4) back in September so we wouldn't be back to back with vaccines. And now we can't find the H1N1 shot anywhere. We're on a waiting list with the pedi and my doc won't even take names, even though they say, "make sure you get it, since your asthmatic." Well, thanks!

What the hell happened to good ol' strep? Sigh.

BE WELL.

[meera]

Here in CA, my pediatrican's office has the seasonal flu but their excuse - is that they dont have enough nurses to administer it. So right now they are taking appts for middle of dec - which is too far out for me. H1N1 - they are not offering at all even for children under 3. Even pregnant women are having trouble finding it.

[mamabird]

After reading this post I realized how lucky I was. I live in a small town in PA. The pediatrician's office had a clinic last week where we, providing our children were already patients, could get the shot. My daughter will be 10 months in a few days and I was worried a bit. I hate the fact that they hurt! I was glad that I would be getting the preservative free version, according to the doctor who had seen us two weeks earlier at her 9 month check up. When we were in the office getting the shot I learned it was not the preservative free shot.

In the end, my daughter wimpered twice and that was pretty much it! No reaction or anything. I was so happy. I do give her tylenol just before we go to the office when a shot will be administered and then every four hours for the first 12-24 hours.

I was worried about the shot but more worried about the unknowns that are going on with how this virus will affect the population over this flu season.

[Karen (Submommy)]

P.S. Wired magazine has a really interesting article this month about vaccinations, including an interview with Dr. Offit. Check it out if you can....

[Petit Elefant]

I'm in the *can't find the damn shot* category. I want it, even though I'm not crying about the sky falling, for several reasons, but I cannot get a hold on someone who has the vaccine. So I sit. And I wait.

[Sharon]

We chose to vaccinate our 18 month old because my husband travels a lot for work so we expect that he's going to be regularly exposed to both the regular flu and H1N1. Unless he strips down and disinfects every single item he takes with him on his trips before even getting into his car, our household is going to get exposed.
We were incredibly fortunate that the day we went into the pediatrician for the little man's 18 month check up the dr had gotten a shipment of H1N1 vaccines and he was able to get it, along with regular flu that same day. That said, she told me good luck in getting him the second dose. When I tried to make an appointment for him to get it, the receptionist told me she has no clue when they'll get more and to call daily until I am able to reserve him a dosage.

I have no clue if we'll be able to get him his second dose and I'm almost positve my husband and I won't be able to get it at all. I keep hearing stories of people waiting in line 5+ hours outside (we live in WA) only to get to the front to find out they just ran out of doses.
Did anyone else see the news story that all prisoners at Gitmo are getting H1N1 inocculations, outrageous!

[toomuchstrong]

I'm a previous poster...I meant to say .25 cc vs. .5 cc. Sorry about that.
Also wanted to add that our very large pediatric practice has been out of flu shots for about two weeks now. No seasonal or H1N1 shots available. They only have seasonal flu mist which my 3 year old can get, but my 11 month old can't. When the shipment comes in, only the high-priority group will have access to it. Supposedly it means that we won't be able to get our hands on the stuff for probably at least another month. My kids should get their booster shots then (since they got their first H1N1 shots last night at a free clinic) so if all goes well, we won't have to stand in line for 3 hours again!

[Nel]

I would get it if I could find it. I am pregnant and can't find it anywhere. So frustrating.

[marty]

We were decidedly not going to get it, based on my husband's long tenure in the pharmaceutical industry. He wasn't comfortable with the shortcuts taken and having it rushed to market.

However, then we learned that they were using chicken eggs - a method developed in the 50's. He felt more comfortable knowing that and now thinks we should get it. If we can find it.

I'm pregnant and my son is almost two.

Honestly, I think the risks incurred by getting the vaccine are about equal to the risks of ending up with severe complications from H1N1. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

[JCF]

After a lot of research, discussion, and being on the fence, we eventually decided not to get it. My decision was solidified by the fact that it is next to impossible to get in our area and that we know quite a few people (luckily none that we've had recent contact with) who have had H1N1 and have been over it and just fine within a couple of days.

It does irk me, however, that people who do want it are unable to find it. Does the government not know approximately how many people are in the high risk category? Is it just not possible to produce that many vaccines in a short period of time? Are they just messing with our heads? I have no idea, but it kills me about all the hype over the virus itself and how we all must get the vaccine, directly followed by hype about how we won't be able to get it anyway.

[SoMo]

I am not getting it and neither are my kids. And yes, one of my kids is only 3.5 mos old. Shocking, I know. My reasoning: we never get the flu shots and do fine. It is not sitting well with me all the media hype, the fact that we knew about the swine flu months ago and there was only 40something million vaxs available for a country of over 300 million people. If this thing is so bad, why haven't they been producing this shot for months? Something doesn't seem right here. Also, when I asked my ped he basically left it up to me. If he is not pushing it on me with a 3.5 mos old, then I am not concerned about it.

[Karen (Submommy)]

I had a most enlightening conversation with a pediatrician in my kids' doc office last week.

The government owns every last one of the vaccines. Private clinics can't order it. They are being sent the vax randomly with little or no notification.

Our ped's ofc. has received 40 so far. Total. That's been forcing them to choose who to vaccinate in a weird sort of futuristic science fiction alternate reality. "So, do I give the vax to the 12 year old on a ventilator, or the healthy 3 year old who's Mom is pregnant?"

So, the county health departments have to doling them out at these random clinics across the country, and for those of us who perhaps CAN'T stand in line for 6 hours at a stretch, we are S.O.L.

For example - I'm on The List. I work with children under 6 months old. I can't get the dang thing to save my life, or someone else's. Literally.

If this is the future of government-controlled medicine - I'll pass.

[Issa]

I am going to get it. I've got asthma (as does my younger daughter) and some other issues and I'm on a list for it at my doc's office. We've managed to get the little two vaccines, but haven't gotten the oldest yet. Next week I think we will be able too.

I was unsure about any of us getting it, except for Bailey, until my cousins kids got it. Three of hers had it. Two ended up with double pneumonia, one of whom ended up in the hospital for 4 days. I won't take that risk.

[Amira @ Define "Mature"]

I don't even know where to begin, but since I tend to glaze over at super long messages, I'm going to leave it at:

a) We're most likely going to get it in the next week or two.

b) Our Ped's office is offering it and I'm going to double check with his Ped before making any final decisions at his appointment next week.

Aiman has been fighting a really bad flu and back to back ear infections for the last couple of weeks, so we're taking things cautiously.

[stacey@Havoc&Mayhem]

I was on the fence about the kids getting it, then the complete lack of availability made my decision for me. Then out of the blue the school sent a note home saying the county health dept would be doing a clinic in the 4 local schools for kids that attend those schools - just sign here and you are guaranteed the shots and a specific 45 minute time frame where they will happen, come meet your kid then at school if you want to be with them.
Honestly, it was just that easy! And I have no idea why because this is a poor rural county with sucky health dept services.

[Asianmommy]

We got the nasal spray at the local health dept. We were in & out quickly--they were very well organized. No problems at all. We're due for our 2nd dose at the end of Nov.

[amanda]

Honestly, the first thing I think when this kind of discussion comes up is "Shit," followed by an overwhelming desire to bury my head in the sand. H1N1 broke out in my 3 year old's preschool before we could get shots (still can't) All three have been sick with flu like symptoms, but as their fevers haven't gone over 102 and they aren't bed-ridden I am staying away from the pediatrician's. I am hoping that we pull through this by necessity. I will of course run to the doctor if I need to. I am so weary from it all.

[Anissa]

I'm 25 weeks pregnant, and my 2 year old and 12 year old and I all got the H1N1 vaccine last night. In our area (Minneapolis) it is quite limited, but one local clinic chain announced just over a week ago that they had received the vaccince on their website, and word of mouth spread. I read it in the paper on Monday morning last week when I got to work, and that it they were taking appointments for high risk patients, which at that point they were classifying as pregnant women, and children ages 6 months to 18 years, so I called to make appointments for us, even though it's not our regular clinic. After fighting through busy signals for more than an hour, and another hour on hold I got the appointments. Apparently that morning they shut down the phone lines and started taking only emails for appointments, and stopped taking those by the next day as well. Right now, they've cancelled the 2 year old's appointment in 4 weeks for a second shot, and said they'll call when they have more for her booster.

I am also a cautious vax-er, and had really been going back and forth on whether or not to do the H1N1. However, once it seemed like it wasn't going to be an option, it became much more desirable some how. Also, though, just seeing and reading all the news stories of deaths and complications, and knowing that I could have a newborn right in the thick of the illness spreading and potentially worsening, I decided to do the vaccinations to protect him, and the other kids.

I was a little distressed when I called the clinic yesterday morning to confirm which shots they had, and discovered they were out of the version without thimerosal or formeldehyde. I called my OB's office, and they told me to take it anyway, and keep it in perspective. The nurse said there's less mercury in the shot than in a tuna sandwich, and while I don't inject tuna sandwiches into my bloodstream, I still figured the risk was not inordinate. Not that I'm not still thinking about it, and wondering if it was the right decision for me and all the kids. This morning at my OB checkup, my doctor high fived and congratulated me for finding and getting it, and said she still hadn't been able to find it for her asthmatic 3 year old, and 6 month old.

[Lou]

I have a two-year old son who is in daycare full time. We all (me, husband & son) got the seasonal flu shot in September. I got it at work and son & husband got it at the pediatrician's office. We all got the H1N1 FluMist at the public health clinic. I was nervous about the live virus but I wasn't sure when we would find the injection and my sister-in-law (who is a doctor) recommended we go ahead and get the mist. We've had no problems. I know not everyone can get the mist (or has access to it) but it does not contain thimerosal.

Now I'm trying to decide if I'll get my son the second dose. The WHO says it isn't necessary but the CDC says it is. That's assuming it's still available in four weeks. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

[Vivacious G]

We haven't gotten either shot. I'm pretty sure we all had it though. High fevers, cough and sniffles, body aches galore, sore throat, irritability - it definitely didn't feel like any other cold or flu I've ever had and I get sick fairly regularly due to a weakened immune system. I became nervous when my kid, who rarely gets sick, hit some high fevers. I called the nurse and she said to give cold medicine/fever reducer, cold wet washcloths on the face to keep the fever down. The fever was still there the next day so I took her into the doctor. He seemed reluctant to give any antibiotics or diagnosis but he did put on a mask. He said, she has a virus, let it run its course, if it gets worse bring her back. Um, ok. My husband was VERY against giving her the antibiotics, explaining that the immune system needs to be allowed to "practice" and do its job or else it won't anymore. Like keeping the body in shape with regular exercise. I didn't want her to suffer the same fate that I have from growing up with too much medicine. So I didn't give them to her but watched her like a hawk for signs of it getting worse. She was better the next day. My husband and I got it the day after that. We treated ourselves with OTC cold/flu meds, green tea and miso soup. My husband very very rarely gets sick so I knew it was bad. About 2-3 days later it was all over. I had a cough that lingered for weeks but that too eventually has disappeared on its own. That was a little over a month ago and so far nothing else. I know one person, a traveling musician with multiple health problems, that has gotten both shots. The End! :)

[Karla P]

Just wanted to add that having had H1N1 I can totally see why there are so many secondary infections (which is where the deaths are coming from.) The chest congestion is like nothing I have ever had before, it is just SO awful. My kids fever broke about 5 days ago, and even now I am feeling them every time they are near me afraid that the fever will reappear and they will have pneumonia. And lets not even talk about how I can't even walk a two blocks without having a asthma attack....

[Secretia Teller]

Thank you for taking the time to talk about this important vaccine subject.

Secretia

[Angela]

I was lucky and able to get both at my first OB appt of this pregnancy. I have asthma and being pg with twins so I need all the help I can get to avoid any kind of flu!

The same day we were able to get my son both vaccines too. His ped is in the same building as my OB, so that was awesome. My husband had already been vax for seasonal at a doc appt, and then was able to get the H1N1 mist at the health department last week. It's a relief to have us all done!

It's so scary that so many people I know both in person and on the internet have had it already. And several children have been in the hospital with horrible complications. Thank goodness no one I know has had a death yet, but it just feels like it's only a matter of time.

I just found out this week that my son (who is three) will need a booster of these vax in 4 weeks. I hope we can find them then! He has asthma and so is high risk for that, plus his age. Although we have pulled him out of school (for another reason) and now we're thinking we'll keep him out until Spring. The less exposure the better.

[jonniker]

We finally got Samantha (8 months) her first dose last night. I'd literally called the pediatrician's office every day, twice a day, for three to four weeks. I was lied to on multiple occasions -- once, I'd JUST COME from a play date where two of the moms had JUST COME from getting their sons vaccinated an hour beforehand. And twenty minutes later, I called the same pediatrician's office and was told they'd never received any at all. Repeatedly. "Nope, we never got it! Still waiting like everyone else!"

When I finally confronted them, there was some panic involved, and some furious backpedaling and lo, it was super-shady. They tried to tell me that the boys I knew were "high risk asthmatics" (not true: they were healthy kids who were older than Sam and also, hello HIPAA), then tried to tell me they'd made appointments and had reserved the shot (also not true: they were there for well-child visits, plus I was told I could not MAKE an appointment) and finally, they pretty much just gave up and took my name for their waiting list.

This went on for weeks. Finally, I used my network of moms -- one of whom is a local DOCTOR -- to find out that the hospital was planning to move some vax to the ped's office on Monday. I called first thing and after REPEATED phone calls throughout the day insisting that I knew for a FACT that they got it, and being put off by all receptionists except ONE, I got an appointment for their "clinic" the next day. It was so shady that the receptionist called me from home that night and was practically whispering. I'm not kidding.

Unsurprisingly, they never called anyone on the list, and just gave clinic appointments to obnoxious moms like me who called daily and knew that they had the vaccine and thus, couldn't be lied to.

Oh, and you know what else is awesome? Waiting for the H1N1 clinic with a bunch of tiny babies and having a school-age girl come in for a sick-child visit. What do you think she was diagnosed with? OH YES. H1N1. TEH AWESOME.

Our vaccine may have been for naught.

[cindy w]

My 2 1/2 year-old has pretty severe asthma, so we were definitely going to get the vaccine. It took about 15 phone calls and one hellish trip to the public health department (where the line was so long they were going to run out of vaccines LONG before they got to us), and we finally managed to get it from our pediatrician. They said that they had a small amount for high-risk patients, and my daughter's asthma qualified her as particularly high-risk. So, we were lucky (?), I guess.

Of course, now we just have to find her the booster shot in a couple of weeks. That should be fun.

[Ashley]

I'm in IA and here NONE of our pediatrician's offices are offering it. Only a few select OB offices for pregnant women. You have to get it thru your county health dept. during their clinics. We waited in line for 5 hours at ours for my 22 month old daughter to get her shot (in the cold and misty rain). But, after she got it, it was a HUGE relief to us. Waiting in the line SUCKED, but then you don't have to run into the issue of certain offices/patients getting first dibs.

[Jenn (@cloverjenn)]

We're pretty lucky here in Canada. The lines are long, but it isn't impossible to get. Right now they are only vaccinating high risk people and kids under 5 and will do others later in the month.

Our doctor is doing a clinic on Saturday so we are going to get our 2 & 4 year old done. When the time comes I will also be getting vaccinated because the Canadian news is reporting that one of the highest risk groups in BC is healthy women in their early 30s, so I really don't want to take any chances.

[She Likes Purple]

My 9-month-old son recently got it BUT only because were at the doctor for something else, and I casually asked about it, and the doctor said, "Sure thing, let me go get it for you." This was after WEEKS of calling the doctor's office only to be told it wouldn't be in AT ALL until end of November. Huh. He got it in October. That's ... strange ... and lie-like, isn't it? He's doing fine, too, after getting it.

[Dawn]

I have been very careful about vaccines with both my sons, spacing them out, not having more than 2 at a time ever. I've had mixed feelings about how rushed H1N1 was, but since my 2-year old has asthma, I think I will get it for both my sons if I can find it.

Our pediatrician has said they won't be getting it, but I may call again.

I also have 3 pregnant friends right now that I am very worried about.

It will be along winter.

[ClumberKim]

I have had both seasonal and H1N1 vaccines and despite our efforts, my husband and kids have had none. Our doctor ran out of seasonal (twice) before we could get in. My employer has offered H1N1 to staff children but only to kids over 10 (mine are 2 and 4). They just ran out also. Our county health department ran out.

There have been at least 10 cases of H1N1 in my daughter's daycare, which is at my workplace. One would think they would be motivated to get those kids vaccinated, since a large outbreak will result in a lot of parents not being at work.

[Karla P]

I stood in line 2 and a half hours alone with my 5 year old and my 20 month old to get the shot for us all at Kaiser. Dh was at home sick with a cold that day. That cold turned out to be H1N1, and my 2 and half hours were totally wasted since the kids and I were sick within 5 days. (It takes 10 to build the immunity.)

We are all high risk (my 5 year old is particularly vulnerable) so I tend to not think twice about flu vaccine. I would rather risk shot side effects, than have my boy in the hospital again.

[Motherhood Uncensored]

Also, I should add that one of the concerns we had with H1N1 is that unlike the typical flu, this is hitting the healthy young child population hard (especially 2-4 year olds).

We have decided not to vax for the regular flu.

[Ellen]

Our ped office has it, and isn't secretive at all. They advertise it on all the doors: we have the H1N1 vaccine! Took daughter in, and the nurse administered both seasonal flu and H1N1, or so we thought. Turns out she got both the nasal mist H1N1 and the shot of H1N1.

So my kid is double dosed and other people can't find it anywhere. Makes no sense.

[Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com]

I know I should stay on topic and talk about H1N1 and all, but I just typed in motherhooduncensored.com to get here. Because I apparently can't remember the web address. Anyway, I cannot even begin to tell you how long it took me to figure out that I was on the wrong page. I thought it was some sort of Mominatrix joke at first.

Am. LAME.

[Liza]

Per our doc's advice, I'm planning for both kids (3.5 & 1) to get it, but waiting another week or two before commencing our search in earnest.

Early reactions seem good -- but it was worth it to me to wait a bit and see.

It's funny to me that I went with "wait" -- normally I'm a pretty aggressive vax'r.

I became that way before I ever had kids -- I lived in DC during the anthrax scare, and it was such a relief knowing that my parents had gotten me vax'd for smallpox, and the science suggested that there was probably at least some protective effect.

I want that unpredictable future reassurance for my kids.

[Karen]

I was sort of all over: get it, don't get it. Get it, don't get it. And now that I can't find it, I'm all obsessed with getting it.

What I don't understand is how people in other counties have gotten it but when I call my GP and pediatrician, they tell me they've never had it and won't get it until the end of November. I hate to think my doctor us lying.

[Motherhood Uncensored]

@babysteph - Completely understand, and if my kids had reactions or issues with past flu vaxes (and vaxes in general), I might have thought differently.

What eased my mind about all this is that this shot is being made exactly like the traditional flu shot, people will experience similar side effects and reactions. We personally had no issues with that shot last year and so I felt comfortable with that.

That being said, the flu shot itself is often troublesome, so that's not reassuring.

Here's to lots of handwashing!

[jessica]

first our ped told me as long as my 3year old daughter got the regular flu shot, she'd be fine. then MY doctor told me VACCINATE HER, she is high-risk. so I called the doctors office DAILY, and was (apparently) lied to daily. they told me they didn't have it. So, one day I went in to pay a bill. while there, I hear the PA telling a woman about the h1n1 vaccine. and then I lost it, I said "EXCUSE ME! I've been calling for 2 weeks asking for it - WHY is MY CHILD being denied? I demand an answer, NOW." they pulled me into an exam room and explaied "we aren't allowed to tell people we have it. we're only allowed to give it to people on stare insurance, which her kids are." WTF. I pay insurance so I can have medical coverage. but people who don't pay for insurance are getting priority?!?! FUCKED UP! NO CHILD should be denied something that will help keep them healthy - insurance or not. But WHY am I paying for insuanrace if I'm penalized for having it? At this point, I feel liek we'd be better off living on state assisatnce...seems like it's the only way to get ANYTHING in Maryland.

[Amy]

The H1N1 vaccine just became available here in the Nashville area, although it appears to be in short supply.

I have no intentions of getting the H1N1 or regular flu vaccine. No one in my family (my hubby, son (8) or me) has ever been vaccinated for the flu. We are all healthy and have no preexisting medical problems that would necessitate having it done.

We decided that we would adhere to the wash our hands constantly, wipe everything down with Clorox wipes, use hand sanitizer type of philosophy. So far that has worked for us.

[Manic Mommy]

Thanks for the reminder; I need to call my pedi again. My kids have gotten neither. But will get both. Same for my husband and me. If we can. (Boston Area)

[Laura]

We were lucky enough that our county public health department (Champaign, IL) did a walk-in clinic last week. We only had to wait an hour, and I consider ourselves lucky. We get the flu shot every year. It would be hypocritical of us not to get it. There is a lot of misinformation out there about this vaccine.

[Adventures In Babywearing]

I understand that my decision against the shot is not a popular one, but it's a very sensitive subject considering our sons' health history and past adverse reactions to vaccines.

I don't think the shot is safe and there is no guarantee against the flu by getting it, but there is a guarantee that toxins are being injected (or misted) into the body. Who knows what lies down the road as a side effect from this quickly produced and "in demand" vaccine?

That's just MY opinion and I highly respect what others do for their children. We are all just trying to make the best decision, which is not always easy, I know that.

Our kids' school is offering the shot next week. My boys will be absent on that day.

Steph

[Bren]

The vaccine not available anywhere around us that we can tell. They have it in a few counties near Milwaukee but only the mist (which I won't do) and thousands of people in line to get it. The kicker - my daughter is sick this week with "flu like symptoms" so her doctor is assuming it's H1N1. It doesn't pay to live a decent amount away from a big city because we feel forgotten.

[toomuchstrong]

Timely post. We just stood in line for 3 hours last night at a free clinic in DC. Thankfully, my smart neighbor mom friend organized the "vaccination party" so it was 4 moms with 8 kids (ages 5 months to 3 1/2 years old) keeping each other sane during the long wait. We had a portable DVD player, books, snacks and many, many treats for the kids. We helped watch each others' kids, fill out forms, hold kids, shared snacks, blankets, treats, books...you name it. It ended up being fairly painless (no pun intended). However, one of my neighbors' 3 1/2 year old got the incorrect dosage (.25 ml instead of the .5 ml necessary) and even though she tried to explain to the nurse/technician that she was sure her daughter needed more than her one-year old son, they would not listen to her. So, she is now going to have to get her daughter vaccinated again since .25 ml does nothing.
My daughter got the .5 ml dosage, but some of it seemed to have leaked onto her leg (I saw the technician quickly wipe it up as it was running down her leg) so she may not have gotten the right dosage either. A pregnant friend of mine had the same thing happen to her. She thinks some of the syringes are faulty...but I suspect the techs are the faulty ones.
I have to say that what saved my sanity in the end was having my BECO carrier (it's like the Ergo) with me so I could stick my 11 month old in it therefore freeing up my hands to fill out forms, tend to my 3 year old and help the other moms out.
Some moms were complaining about how this was like living in Eastern Europe during Communism. Well, I did live there during Communism and we never had long lines for vaccines. But we did have long lines for bananas. Heh.

[Jay]

We were having problems finding it too. The base was holding a shot for my 4 year old since she has asthma, and said they were out for anyone else. We walked in carrying our 3 month old, and low and behold, the rest of us were offered the mist- which I gladly snatched up. My 6 year old and I have to go back later this month since we have to wait 28 days to get the regular flumist after getting the H1N1 mist. Not sure why exactly. But it makes me pause and think- man, we REALLY trust these people don't we? So far no side effects, so all is good. Here's to keeping the cooties away.

[Lauren]

My daughter will get the H1N1. We have been very careful about vaccines. I don't believe in completely NOT vaccinating at all, I think that's irresponsible and relies on "protection from the herd" sort of mentality. But I don't believe in lightly or blithely subjecting my child to ANY medical procedure or medication. We skipped the Hep A vaccine because there's almost no Hep A in SC where we live and the pediatrician agreed it was one we could easily forego.
But this H1N1 thing... it's here. Dozens of cases in the schools here. And they can't seem to figure out why otherwise perfectly healthy small children are DYING from it and dying quickly. To me, it's a cost/benefit question. Given that the H1N1 vaccine is a dead virus and that the base is prepared the same as the regular flu vaccine that she's had and tolerated well... well, it seems to me the potential side effects are less risky than the disease itself.
Thanks for being a measured, careful, unbiased Mom voice on this issue!

[Jennifer]

Our pediatrician had it, so my 9-month old got the H1N1 vax. Also previously had the seasonal flu vax. No problems with either. Houston, TX area

[jodifur]

I got it and My 4 year old got it. I have Lupus, so I have to be really, really careful. My husband hasn't gotten it yet b/c he is not a high risk group. A ped practice in the area had it and was offering it to non patients. Finding a second dose for the kids, that is going to be hard.

[kootnygirl]

My thoughts are here:

http://rhapsodyinbeige.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/the-post-about-h1n1/

Since then, I have pretty much decided to get the vaccine for me and my kids. There have been too many deaths around here...not your 'normal' flu deaths (the old or weak), but rather otherwise healthy children and young adults.

The trouble is, right now the vaccine is only being offered to people in 'high priority' groups, so we have to wait. And we have no idea how long we'll have to wait. And then wait for the booster (for the kids), and then wait for the shot to become effective.

I said it before & I'll say it again: it's going to be a long winter.

[Kelly]

I am pregnant and my kid is 2 yrs old. It ticks me off that others are getting the shot when we are both "hig risk" and can't find it anywhere.

[Aliceson]

My daughter (high risk with an immune defect) was at the clinic the other day for her well appointment and of course I asked about the availability of both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines. I was told that the clinic had neither and the schools would be distributing the H1N1 once it becomes available.

Once the doctor walked in, she said that the seasonal flu shot was available and within minutes my daughter was inoculated. Like you I don't understand the secrecy about it all, and why these clinics and health departments can't update their websites with helpful information is beyond me. If I have to call one more phone number with a recording of "we don't have any"
or talk to one more crabby receptionist I may start throwing things. I'm just crossing my fingers that we don't pick up the flu before the vaccine becomes available... if it will even matter anymore once it does.