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Original poster

Where can I find unbiassed swine flu vaccination info?

14 replies

shirleycat1 · 27/01/2010 20:55

Everyone has got an opinion, but I really want to make an informed decision on whether to vaccinate my 8 month old ds.

Can anyone direct me to some unbiassed information pleaae.

Thanks in advance...

OP posts:
sasamaxx · 27/01/2010 23:07

Our local sick kids' hospital has its wards full of kids with swine flu.

That's not bias - just fact.

Often swine flu is mild, but it can also be very serious.

pooter · 27/01/2010 23:13

have a look at the New Scientist website. www.newscientist.com/special/swine-flu They are completely independent and everything is based on research.

Ive had it(at 30wks preg) and my little boy had it today - he is almost 3. I read everything i could get my hands on and then made my own mind up. I think the fact that my brother worked with a man in his early thirties who was really healthy, but who died from Swine flu early last year swayed my decision too.

It's a hard choice.

gaelicsheep · 27/01/2010 23:13

It's a question of what you call unbiased really. Most people's definition of this seems to be whether it tells you what you want to hear.

Despite being pretty much accused of being one of the vaccine police on another thread, I too am still making up my mind about getting DS vaccinated. As I've said before elsewhere, I am not especially concerned about the theoretical health risks of the vaccine - at least I am a little, but no more than with any other vaccine he's ever had. What I can't get a handle on is whether there is still a real risk of him catching swine flu or not. There isn't nearly so much in the news about it now - is it going away or is the media just bored with reporting it? As he's just recently had a raft of other jabs I'm not sure I want to add another into the mix unnecessarily.

One thing I'm bearing in mind is that my GP's practice was really pushing the vaccine at the time I had it, back in December. However they haven't followed up their letter about DS at all, which leads me to think that they don't see it as such an issue any more. But then it only takes one person to pass it on doesn't it?

gaelicsheep · 27/01/2010 23:39

Pooter - thanks very much for the link to New Scientist. I don't know why I didn't think of looking there before. I was particularly interested in the part where they say the virus is still rife and spreading in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. Plus what happened with the 1957-8 flu pandemic and the wave of deaths that occurred once people assumed the worst was over.

I think on balance I probably will get DS vaccinated based on what I've just read.

brimfull · 27/01/2010 23:43

I do not know a soul who has had swine flu.

Not even someone who knows someone who has had it.

gaelicsheep · 27/01/2010 23:47

I know of two definite cases and at least four suspected cases amongst colleagues and friends. And I'm not in an area where it's been particularly prevalent.

brimfull · 27/01/2010 23:52

No one at work either and I work in a small community hospital. Have asked colleagues and they say the same.

Bizarre

Original poster
shirleycat1 · 28/01/2010 09:45

Thanks everyone.

I've been checking out the New Scientist stuff. DP is in the 'lets get it done' school of thought, but I am still quite undecided.

Will continue with my research...

OP posts:
brightredballoon · 28/01/2010 15:41

This page on the WHO website is quite useful www.who.int/csr/don/2010_01_22/en/index.html

at the bottom of the page there are various documents that are updated weekly with the amount of confirmed cases of swine flu around the world, also has previous weeks loaded so you can navigate to see the history.

I found it hard to find unbiased information on swine flu as its mostly journalists making a story out of the article. Swine flu is real and can be fatal, a lot of people get it very mild there's just no way of knowing how you/your children will be with it. There is a vaccine available to increase your immunity to swine flu, you have to weigh it up for yourself. Everyone has an opinion/concern etc, we had our vaccines because at the time I felt I was acting in the best interest of me and and my family.

June2009 · 31/01/2010 11:00

This is the link to the weekly updates of the pandemic reports: here
They have the list of jabs and side effects etc.

I had my 6mo dd vaccinated a month ago, she did not even notice the jab nor did she have any side effects whatsoever.
after weeks of stressing about and making and cancelling a couple of appointments for it, I am soo glad she had it done, immense relief.

jasminedouglas · 31/01/2010 11:06

personally i think there is a lot to be said for just boosting your child's immune system naturally rather than take the swine flu vaccine. I know there is a lot of worry out there but for my money I would prefer to take the natural route rather that give my child a new vaccine that was bought out is such a rush. I found a site that gives lots of good info on natural ways of protecting your child have have been doing this. The Sambucol especially seems to have made a real difference to the amount and severity of the coughs and colds my two have had. See what you think... wp.me/pFWj1-2q

yama · 31/01/2010 11:11

I found the New Scientist take biased.

yama · 31/01/2010 11:14

Thanks for the link Jasmine - off to have a wee read.

gaelicsheep · 31/01/2010 14:49

Biased towards science?

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