the Debate...

H1N1, its what everyone seems to be talking about. The thing is, everyone is saying something different. This past week the news has been saturated with information.... yet none of it seems to speak to us. If you're old, if you're young, if you're pregnant, a medical profession... etc, you need to get the vaccine. Yet, there are limitations on each of those, and apparently only so many doses available? So many questions, and very few answers.

Last week Ava went in for her second round of the flu vaccine. I also went in and got a flu shot on the same day. We're set for the seasonal flu... but not for the "swine flu." While in the office I asked the doctor about the H1N1 vaccine and what he thought... "do I get my daughter vaccinated?" His answer. "NO!" Really? I just assumed that we'd get it, since Ava is over 6 months and in the category of people who should receive it. The doctor's explanation, he wasn't my doctor or Ava's mind you, was that this vaccine was created back in the 70's and at that time many people had a bad reaction to it. Apparently he isn't having his children vaccinated. I found that quite odd for being a medical professional.

Then this morning on GMA (my only source of news... Pitt news is full of violence I'd rather not see), they were reporting from the CDC in Alanta, GA, giving as much information to people as possible. But still... nothing that really helped me. If I was pregnant, I'd now know that there is a greater risk that I could contract the virus. If I was a teacher or Ava was in school, I'd know that its important since I'd/she'd be around kids all day. But neither of those are the case. In fact, the only time we are around others is on Sunday and when we are out and about running errands. But in the back of my mind I have this bit of worry... what happens if Ava is in her class at church and a child (who got the vaccine, but still got a mild version of the virus) is there and infects her? I know, I know, what IFs.

I've always been taught to trust doctors, they should know what is best and have our wellbeing in mind. So I value what they think, and was totally thrown off by the doctor who told me not to get it. This morning I played the family card. I don't like to do it often be cause my Uncle gets calls from non patients all the time, but I figured we're family. Besides, its always nice to talk with my Aunt Susan. I needed Orts advice, and if any doctor would know what was in Ava's best interest, it'd be her own Uncle. Unfortunately, Susan and Ort hadn't spent much time talking about it, other than hearing things about possible outbreaks at my cousin's school. (Don't get sick Morgan!!!) But Susan promised she'd ask and get back to me.

So the debate lingers. To get, or Not to get? It is OUR question. (and OUR decision!)