H1N1: To Vaccinate or Not Vaccinate?

Many of you have asked my opinion as to if you should receive (or give to your children) the H1N1 vaccine.  There is such controversy over this particular vaccine, it has almost come to disruption of jobs and friendships over it. 

So, Here's my stand as a physician:  You need to do what you believe is best for you and your family in good conscious based on facts. 

If I were to tell you to get the vaccine and you had an adverse reaction, then you'd be very upset or angry.  On the other hand, if I told you that it wasn't safe and you didn't get it and had a bad outcome from the H1N1 flu, you'd be just as angry.  I DON'T know the right decision for you and your family, but I really believe that NO ONE has the right to tell you to do one way or the other.  (I have spoken to Paul Gauvreau of the Maine Attorney General's office today and he indicated that the Maine CDC and Public Health Officials cannot force vaccinate anyone in this state.  They would have to get a court order in an extreme situation to do this for an individual.) 

I posted "Second Opinion" two weeks ago giving the current arguments for receiving the vaccine.  I've posted Osteopathic techniques for you to use in the case that you get the flu.  Now I will post links and summaries of articles to help explain the opposing view as to why many experts feel that the vaccine is not safe or has not been adequately tested (thus the public has become a lab of test rats) as well as links to ways to help keep yourself healthy and to protect yourself.

Two of the most informative sites arguing the dangers of the H1N1 vaccine are with Dr. Russell Blaylock and Dr. Joseph Mercola.  You will have a wealth of information to read on this subject.  These two links and others will also be posted under "Educational Materials/Informational Links/General Health", as well as some documents under the "Files to Download" pages at the left, for more information.

Many of our health issues in life are inherited, but most are as a direct result of decisions made in life.  In medicine, you agree to a procedure after you receive adequate information.  We call this "Informed Consent."  You need to read all of the available information and then make your decision.

Update on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 1:33PM by Eva Shay, DO

Here's another interesting perspective about all the hype from Common Ground journal from Canada.

Second Opinion - H1N1 - a town hall meeting

I just had the chance to watch/listen to Second Opinion, a program out of Rochester, NY, NPR television.  The panel of experts discussed many aspects of H1N1 influenza.  We all agree that there are many view points about this coming flu season and the vaccines.  This program has key experts discussing very important issues.  This is the taping of an hour long NPR program, so pull up a chair and get a cup of hot tea and be prepared to listen and take notes. 

I hope to post more information in the coming days from varying perspectives, so that you may make your own informed decisions about the H1N1 vaccine. 

No matter what your decision on this hot topic, if you THINK that you might have the flu:  STAY HOME and avoid contact with other people!!!  DON'T go to work or school and risk spreading the disease.  What may be a mild case of influenza in you, may become a serious case, or even fatal in someone else.