i think you should always get the vaccination. it is important for you to stay healthy. i think that if you have already had H1N1 then you shouldn't have to get the vaccination. if you already had the flu your body should have the ability to fight it off. an example of this is the chicken pox. once you have had it you usually dont get it again. then again most doctors are not testing everybody for H1N1. you could have had H1N1 and not even had known it! this is why i think everybody should get the vaccination if they are not sure they had swine flu or not. you should also get the vaccination if you have not gotten sick yet at all.

Boo boo - I need to revoke my comment about the shot injecting with little bits of virus. That is apparently a myth that I have accidentally perpetuated. I'm still deciding about the shot for myself but think everyone should do their research and take the threat very seriously.

I've never had the flu shot so I'm definitely passing on the H1N1 vaccination! Knock on wood I'm pretty healthy and the thought of injecting something into my body and not knowing what kind of effect it could have on me in the future....not appealing.

I wish I had more time to reply to this topic, so tonight I will just add a few pieces of info. First most people, especially young people will not have any type of immunity to the H1N1 virus. Each year the seasonal flu virus shifts (changes slightly) and as we age we gain more natural immunity as we are exposed each year to these similar viruses. The H1N1 virus is a flu virus that has "drifted" meaning it had changed dramitically so the majority of people will not have any natural immunity. This is why the H1N1 vaccine program is the largest of it's kind, as the need to vaccinate is much greater than any other typical flu year. This is not a typical flu year and this virus although not necessarily stronger it can attack the respiratory system quickly and cause devestating outcomes, expecially in "high risk" populations.

Also, the mist vaccine is not available in Canada and I would not receommend following what the States are doing. I would defiently trust the Canadian government and scientific field when it comes the vaccine safety over the Americans. Canada has a great reputation for safety and would not place a large population at risk if they thought this vaccine was not safe. There is always risks with vaccines, but the most common side effect really is just a sore arm.

That brings me to the fact that the vaccine available in Canada is not a live virus. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine and if you hear people say they got sick after getting the flu shot, which you hear all the time, they obviously had something brewing when they received the vaccine and your body producing the anitbody response weakened the immune system temporarily and you got sick with whatever you had prior to being vaccinated, it is was probably a simple viral infection and a few days of rest will cure it.

Also, a cough does not mean you had swine flu. Since the end of August to our first frost is "allergy season" which can cause sinus conjestion, cough, sneezing and runny nose, all or one of those symptoms. So I wouldnt worry to much about that. People who are suspected of having H1N1 have laboratory testing to ensure a proper diagnosis.

I think when considering getting this vaccine, I would recommend reading information about it on a ligit websites such as a government websites or consult your family doctor or public health department.

I also woudl consider getting the vaccine to protect those who are at risk and those who may not be able to get the vaccine themselves. Even if you dont think anything will happen to you, think about how you getting the vaccine will protect other people who really need it!

Anyways, those are my two cents, which turned out to be more than I thought. Make an informed decision, don't listen to everything the media says, think about everyone's health and wash your hands frequenlty and don't touch you eyes/mouth or nose after taking the subway!

xoxo

My daughters' school is giving the mist vaccines on Fri(with proper consent forms). My 5yo has contracted everything that has went around so far this yr so she doesnt qualify for the mist. My question is this:Since the mist consists of a live virus, can those who receive it actually pass the flu by wiping their nose or sneezing?I have searched everywhere and cant find answers.Do any of you know?

I don't think I'll do it either. In general, I just don't like the idea of injecting myself with little bits of nasty virus. I'm sure I'll rethink this one day but for now it just gives me the heebie jeebies!

Thinking back - I may have had H1N1 - I had a cough that lasted for at least a month and a half. And for me, that is very rare since I practically never get sick - especially coughs. I won't get the vaccine though. I don't even like the idea of antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. The body grows stronger when it has the chance to fight illnesses on its own - when practical, of course.