I have to put this out there. The paranoia and fear surrounding the H1N1 flu vaccines is not only completely misplaced, but potentially very dangerous. This is just off the top of my head, make sure you check out the resources that are available out there.

This vaccine HAS been tested on millions of people now. It is based on the same principles and technology of the seasonal flu vaccine. All they are doing is changing which strain of virus is targeted. The shot contains inactivated (i.e. NOT live) virus. Serious adverse affects are extremely rare and, to date, there have been no fatalities associated with the vaccine.

For those who say that H1N1 is no worse than seasonal flu, take note: this flu IS worse than the seasonal flu because it is novel and is not following the typical patterns of the seasonal flu. Check out the wildly different pattern H1N1 is taking. In addition, when there are serious cases of it, they are affecting a different population, namely young healthy people, rather than the infants and elderly, as the seasonal flu does.

From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

Currently the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”) seems to be causing serious health outcomes for:

• healthy young people from birth through age 24;
• pregnant women;
• and adults 25 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions.

Let’s get facts out there rather than fear, people. There is a veritable scientific army of dedicated people out there doing their damndest to keep us safe and healthy and it’s a smack in their faces to assert that they are trying to “poison us” or bilk us for money. Personally, I am extremely grateful that we have such scientists and doctors . I will be getting both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine and will make sure my kids do too.

Here are some straight forward, science-based resources to answer any questions:

http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htmhttp://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2009/10/cries_the_antivaccinationist_why_are_we_1.php#more

There are a ton more resources out there. Be smart, get the facts and do the responsible thing.