Swine Flu--Why Shouldn't You Vaccinate?

Why Shouldn’t I Vaccinate?
Flu vaccines are created to target the specific strains of flu determined by the government to be a prevalent health concern for the season. Not all strains are included in the vaccination, and you are not protected from exposure to a different strain than what you are vaccinated for. This is why there is a separate vaccine for H1N1 this year, because it came on the radar too late to be included as a strain in 2009 seasonal flu vaccination. But, getting vaccinated does not guarantee you will not get sick from any strain.
If you are concerned over the “Swine Flu” hype, educate yourself. The hype is due to the lack of immunity to this new strain; more people will likely catch the flu this season than average. But, swine flu is still just a seasonal flu with seasonal flu symptoms and should not be considered drastically more dangerous that “regular flu,” depending on who you are. These target groups are described by the CDC as people who are more likely to catch the disease: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. If you fall in one of these groups, protecting yourself against the flu may be more of a challenge this year than last. But before you decide to vaccinate, consider the following.
According to the CDC, the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines being approved by the FDA will be manufactured in several formulations. Multi-dose vials will contain thimerosal as a preservative. Multi-dose vials of seasonal influenza vaccine will also contain thimerosal to prevent potential contamination after the vial is opened. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that was used for decades in the U.S. in vials containing more than one dose to prevent the contaminating growth of microorganisms. Concern and outrage in the 1990’s over the effects of thimerosal on general health and the speculation in it’s contribution to autism led the CDC and FDA to continually evaluate new scientific information about the safety of vaccines. However, according to the CDC website, “People have a right to expect the vaccines they receive are safe and effective. The CDC and FDA also hold vaccines to the highest standards of safety. Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative, and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children under six years of age have been thimerosal-free…” Except for the influenza and H1N1 vaccines, the website admits.
Why Should I Vaccinate?
To be fair, vaccinations can be a calculated risk. If you care for others or are a healthcare provider, you are a “gateway” to spreading seasonal flu. Or, if you fall into one of the categories most likely to be at risk of coming down with the flu, and also are at risk of developing more health-threatening side-effects or complications, you may want to discuss vaccination with your doctor.
This article serves to aid awareness about the use of vaccines. Research is the best way to keep yourself informed! Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention online to learn more about season flu and H1N1, and read their detailed Q&A about vaccinations. Make a good choice for yourself! http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/