Now, my response was more humorous than genuine, but it still got me thinking: Should I push a second needle into my daughter? Kaitlyn got the flu shot last year and will likely get it again this year (that "likely" part is sure to stir some debate in the Moffat house, but oh well).
But the H1N1 flu vaccine has been a topic of discussion in our household for quite some time. My wife has always been one to err on the side of medical advice, sound or otherwise. I, on the other hand, have always been one to let things pass. I get a cold and take some OJ and let it run its course. Michelle gets a cold and wants something to cure it immediately. Or else.
But when it comes to Kaitlyn, we've always been a pretty good team. I don't remember what my parents did for me when I was her age, so I only have their advice and stories to go by. But that would mean taking advice from my parents, and I can't give them the satisfaction. Same with Michelle's parents; her mother actually let one child sit at home with a broken arm so she could finish a soap opera. No joke.
So we have to trust the doctor. And I have to say, we have a great practice where we bring Kaitlyn and trust the doctors there. And then there's the research. And the stories. And the assurances from the government. And the blogosphere.
The more and more I read, the more and more I think it's safe. But there's still that little part of me that doesn't trust what I'm reading, since this is a brand new vaccine for a brand new disease. So I ask, what's more dangerous: the more combative version of the flu, or the drugs they're putting into you and your child?
I really don't know the answer to that question. I guess more reading and research for me. Note: It's stories like this, though, that really piss me off and turn me off from getting a shot on principle.
For your viewing pleasure, the government's argument for the vaccine:
James, if you are going to make a comment about your mother-in-law, please tell the whole story. True, I was watching a soap when my oldest came in complaining about her arm (she had been skating in the driveway}. Having been around the block a few times, I acted very responsibly--gave her a pain reliever, iced her arm and let her settle down for a while before going to the emergency room. As a result of my intial response, she did not make a peep when the doctor reset her arm and put the cast on.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazes me is that after raising 3 children, I suddenly don't know "anything" about child care. I know how hard it is for you to acknowledge that when I do speak up, I am usually (always) right!
With Love,
Your mother-in-law
Believe me, if this blog is about anything, it's about how little I know and how much I have to learn. I rely on your and my parents' experiences as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteGO Aunt Linda GO!! Tee-Hee... Much love from TEXAS! Love and miss you guys!!
ReplyDelete