Swine Flu Vaccination

The government is encouraging HK citizens in the "high risk" groups to be inoculated against swine flu. This is despite one mother losing her fetus at six and a half months, and three other cases of severe complications arising a few weeks after a shot was administered. They say there's no direct link between these side effects and the swine flu shot.


So what do you do?


Do you take the risk that you or your baby could get swine flu and possibly die, or at least suffer more than if they had the flu shot?


I'm only two months pregnant. Medical advice tells me not to eat too much fish because it contains mercury. And yet this swine flu vaccine also contains mercury, which we know passes through the placenta and can affect a developing fetus.


Mercury has also been blamed for the "not yet proved" link to autism in babies after having shots.


And on another point... the government has just said it won't expand its subsidy scheme to include primary students, because it believes these students have probably already had swine flu and have the antibodies.


And yet I'm sure the government said earlier that EVEN if you believe you had swine flu and have the antibodies, you should STILL have the vaccination.


Talk about contradictions!


I think for now, I will err on the side of not taking it because I'm concerned about the usage of "thiomersal" in the ingredients (which is mercury). It's not used in many vaccines today but it's in our swine flu shot. Yet I'm still torn by this decision.


What is everyone else doing?

I would totally err on the side of taking it. I got my shot yesterday, but I'm not pregnant. My kids will get it next week (sick right now).


The risk of complications is wildly overblown by the media. Fear sells after all. Sure, there is a risk of complications. But the risk is far lower than the alternative. There is no 100% safe option here. You need to choose the less risky one.


The exact figure is unknown but about 30-50 thousand people die of flu (all kinds) the US alone. I'd rather take the vaccine.


"Mercury has also been blamed for the "not yet proved" link to autism in babies after having shots."


"Not yet"? There's no "yet" about it, as in no evidence that it ever will be proven. Not saying that proof will never appear, just that there is no evidence research will show this "eventually". Personally I think the so called link isn't there.


I'm no expert but I'm guessing the amount of mercury is minimal compared to what you might get from (some) fish.



"And yet I'm sure the government said earlier that EVEN if you believe you had swine flu and have the antibodies, you should STILL have the vaccination."


This makes total sense. How would you know for sure that you had swine flu. It's no different symptom wise from other flus.

This can be a huge debate. But my philosophy is, why put something "foreign" into yourself when you can do alot of prevention to avoid it? Nothing is 100% but I believe good hygiene, and careful habits, and good immune system, exercise, healthy eating can help alot. NONE of my family members get even flu shots. In fact, my two pediatricians, and my family physician all tell us, NONE of their own family members get these shots. My student's parents who are nurses, and doctors, also don't get them. I always ask their opinion.... and that's what they say.


Anyways, again, this is a personal choice.


Wear a mask to protect yourself in crowded places, hands off face... I believe this is less risky than injecting a foreign virus into yourself and not knowing 101% what RREALLY are the side effects. This is a very new vaccine... I would wait even if one wanted to get it.


Just my opinion. Again, am sure many many people are for the vaccine. Personal choice. Good Luck !

Proper hygiene and diet won't protect my kids from the other kids in school who may be carrying pathogens, and vice versa. Of course those measures will help, but getting a three year old to not interact with kids in a way that spreads germs is well nigh impossible. I have never been sick more often than since the kids started school. ;)


As for it being a new vaccine, that's not really the case. It is a flu vaccine adapted for the new strain so the effects are well known. It has been tested just as much as any other vaccine.

I would have no problem taking the vaccination if I were not pregnant. Then, if I showed no side effects, and as my 17 month old has never had side effects to any other inoculation, then I would consider to give her one too.


My only concern is that I'm two months pregnant. Perhaps after the first trimester I might consider it... but then the flu season is supposed to peak again within the next two months.


Katetam, I would also have to agree with Axptguy38 - I have a 17 month old who can catch viruses off other kids in the playground, and then it's easy for me to catch it off her, no matter how vigilant I am. I can't imagine wearing a mask when my baby is sick!

Slammy, certainly your decision is not the easiest one. I would ask your ob/gyn. Also, I would say that you should consider H1N1 vaccine the equivalent of "ordinary" flu vaccine. Would you take one of those?

Like I said, it's all a personal decision. Kids will be kids, the best way to prevent is to teach them to practice good hygiene, I teach my kids and train them all the time not to put their hands, in their mouths, stay away from kids who are obviously sick, wash hands frequently, dose up on vitamin C and Seabuddies, touch wood, we have been good.


I just think, EVEN if you were to contract a flu or the H1N1, there is certainly risk, but not necessarily deadly, but getting a vaccine that is "new" (I disagree that it's tested enough)..... no one knows what the possible effects area. The government still cannot guarantee whether all the cases so far are related or not.... very scary in my opinion. a pregnant woman at 36 weeks..... suddenly baby is dead in the womb ... 2 weeks after H1N1 vaccine.


All the best to you whatever you decide. Wish you a healthy pregnancy.

Hi Kate,


What's Seabuddies?


Yes, swine flu shot IS new, in fact Poland is an entire country that's not buying any of them!


Axptguy - yes I took the flu shot because the docctor said it was good for family members to be inoculated to protect small babies less than six months. Of course, I wasn't pregnant then!


And yes, some flu vaccines still have mercury in them and people take those all the time...


Thanks for your viewpoints!

I have not been vaccinated against the flu neither are my children. Although both my children and I had all our other vaccinations. As the flu vac only lasts 9months I believe in fighting off the flu on the off chance you get it will build a healthier/stronger immune system. However if either my children or I had comprised immune systems, or other serious illness I would get it done.

I would speak to your obgyn. As axpat said the media can blow things out of proportion but so can drug companies who want to sell drugs. Here are 2 articles somewhat related to the topic.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34821348

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/jan/03/norways-mrsa-solution/


I not medical professional but have a brother who works in research for a large drug company and after lengthy discussions have made this decision for my family. Also the second article refers non medication for colds not flu so I reiterate speak to your obgyn and decide whats best for you.

Hi Joga,


Thanks for the links...


HK's Centre for Health Protection says it's ok for a pregnant mum to have the swine flu vaccination anytime... and yet my own GP said for the normal flu vaccine, they recommend waiting until after the first trimester.


At this stage, I'm thinking of wearing a mask for the next 7 months!!!