The last time Blythe received vaccinations, she was 5 months old.
Her body reacted so severely, so horribly – she has never been the same. Her pediatric allergist has confirmed that her food allergies were triggered by those vaccinations, and she continues to avoid all immunizations based on his recommendation.
However.
We are discussing a plan to immunize Blythe against H1N1.
There are risks associated with administering the vaccination, yes, including the (remote) possibility of developing Guillain-Barre Syndrome. But based on her medical history, between her asthma and compromised immune system, she is at severe risk of developing what the medical community likes to call “complications” if she were to contract H1N1.
And so we try to decide between:
a factor we can control, which would be to administer the vaccination for H1N1 in her pediatric allergist’s office, with a plan in place, of course, should she have a reaction. I would plan to stay home with her for five days following the immunization, to give her system time to recoup;
~or~
a factor we cannot control, which would be to take our chances and hope she doesn’t contract H1N1 – or, if she were to be exposed, hope beyond all hope that she wouldn’t have any complications.
Go ahead and read between the lines with that word: complications.
I have. My heart skips a beat every time I hear about another child developing complications from H1N1, most of whom have pre-existing conditions. Exactly like Blythe. Many of those parents have lost their children to complications. That sentence, alone, terrifies me beyond comprehension.
It’s a difficult decision to make, one I wish I didn’t have to make, but such is life.
Sometimes, choosing the lesser of two evils just has to be good enough to get us through the night.
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8 replies on “To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate”
Ugh I am in a similar boat. My middle son is not allergic to vaccines, but does have bad asthma. We have already had swine flu in the house, my youngest was first, then I had it, dh and oldest got mild cases on tamiflu as a preventive. But my middle son did not get sick (he was on tamiflu to prevent).
I am torn.
All the research I have done says this vaccine is a mess. Too rushed, too much thermerisol, you need doses, and the risk bad side effects like the 70’s version.
But I have asthma and it was very hard on me. I am still having breathing problems 3 weeks later. I have no idea what to do.
If you find a magical answer please tell me.
I do not envy your position. That is a tough call no matter what. But, you’re the mom and you know more about that child than any doctor. Trust your instincts and do what YOU feel is best for your child. You’re her best advocate.
Lord Bossy has no easy answers. Gah this was a hard debate for Bossy when her kids were little.
I think the only way I would vaccinate the girls against H1N1 was if they were high risk. Of course, in our area, the only way you can get the vaccine is if you are high risk, so it’s really a moot point for us.
Such a tough decision. I have no idea what I would do, but I know you’ll do the right thing for her.
I can only imagine what a difficult place that must be, to make that kind of decision. You are her mom and you’ll do what is right for her, regardless of anyone’s opinion. We’ll be keeping all of you in our hearts. *hugs*
“Complications” is, indeed, a scary word. I’m sorry you need to make that call, but you’ll do what has to be done for her.
Waht a tough decision. Have you decided yet? My kids have never had a bad reaction to vaccines, are generally healthy, and we’ve never done flu shots. My littlest one was hospitalized with pneumonia a month or so ago, so I’m considering the shot for her, too. Still considering.