A look at H1N1 flu shot advice, priorities and info from the US and other parts of the world

October 21, 2:55 AMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Controversy seems to have no limits surrounding the H1N1/swine flu vaccine. Opinions abound and come at you from all angles right now. It can be very confusing when trying to decide what's right for your child, yourself and your family.

To ease the confusion, it's best to go to the root of the source for the most up to date information on the H1N1 shot - the US Centers for Disease Control. Their website has facts about the vaccine including all the potential risks/side effects, who should get the shot, specific recs for pregnant women, a map of flu outbreaks, the difference between getting the shot and nasal spray, and much more. Right now in the US, the CDC is recommending the following high risk groups get the H1N1 flu shot:

• pregnant women
• people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and day care providers)
• health care and emergency medical services personnel
• people 6 months through 24 years of age
• people 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

When making a big decision on vaccines for my children, I find it helps to seek information from not only the CDC but also other health departments around the world. This helps me feel like I'm making a more informed, unbiased decision.

Here are links to H1N1 recommendations from other English-speaking countries. If you are multi-lingual with proficiency, I would also recommend looking at websites of other health departments presented in your other languages for an even broader look at H1N1 advice...

• Canada -http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/faq_rg_h1n1-eng.php#vac
• United Kingdom -http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/Swineflu/InformationandGuidance/index.htm
• Ireland- http://www.swineflu.ie/
• Australia- http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/home-1
• European Medicines Agencies- http://www.emea.europa.eu/influenza/home.htm

After doing hours and hours of research for weeks on end, I have decided to go ahead and get the H1N1 shots for my entire family (3.5 year old, 2 year old, 2 month old, myself and my husband). We are all in the high risk group because we have a 2 month old baby. Because he cannot get the shot (as you must be a minimum of 6 months old to get it) we will get the shot to minimize his potential exposure. I've gotten the seasonal flu shot for my children before but neither my husband nor myself have ever gotten a flu shot. After weighing the pros and cons, getting the shot won out.