I want to pull my hair out. My wife took my daughters (6 and 11 years old) in to our pediatrician get a flu vaccine today. We were hoping they would have H1N1 available too- as I understand it, both can be administered at the same time as long as both are not in flumist form.
They did not have it available, will not have it available; and the nurse who administered the vaccine all but told my wife to not get them vaccinated.
We live in a rural part of a red state in a region of the country that is being hit particularly hard by the H1N1 flu. This is inexcusable. This is ignorant. (tell me if you think I am wrong)
I can understand H1N1 vaccine not being available now- it is early. But their explanation for not having it at all this season is "it is an individual's preference to get one, we have chosen not to carry it." We were pointed to the county health department 20 miles away. This alone sends the signal that it is "not that important."
The worst part is the conversation my wife had with the nurse who administered the normal flumist vaccine. #1 the nurse said the mist had an "adaptive" quality and implied that it could "help" with H1N1. I have no idea what this means. Can anyone help?
#2 she is not getting her son vaccinated for H1N1- even though he has asthma. ???!!! #3 the H1N1 vaccine will be incorporated in to the normal seasonal vaccine next year and she is waiting until next year to get her family vaccinated. Correct- but most people will be exposed over the next 6-12 months.
Is this pediatrician concerned about getting sued if there is an adverse reaction? Is it not more likely that their patients will get sick? Does anyone have anyinsight into this?
I know there are some anti-vaccine people at DailyKos- I personally think this is crazy. Can you imagine living with polio, measles and other terrible, deadly diseases still being common? Viruses have had devastating impacts throughout history- we know have the knowlege to prevent this.
But please, give me your thoughts on this. I am open to hearing opinions.
We will be off to the health department as soon as H1N1 vaccine is available. I will take them personally and relay my concerns about our pediatrician. And I may call the pediatrician tomorrow.
I hope everyone is having a good day.