Need Help with H1N1 Vaccine Fear? Sid the Science Kid Explains How Flu Vaccines Work

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i went to the fda website and it strictly says on the h1n1 vaccination package that people under 18 should not take the vaccine, and also that its ingredients contain mercury (sometimes as thermosil). there is a mainstream article in the uk that says it causes increased "fits" (convulsions) in children. Bill gates has stated vaccines will help in reducing the population. It's mainstream news. I'm not posting links find it yourself or just forget i said anything...

joeshmo of IL 8:42AM October 04, 2010

To begin, always tell your child what is going to happen. Don't tell them that it is not going to hurt. It does hurt and they should expect some pain. Let them know that the vaccine will protect them from a potentially deadly disease. Sugar does not impair the immune system but I don't believe that food should be offered as a reward. Let them pick out their choice of an inexpesive reward such as:

•Sheets of stickers

•Small books such as the little Golden Books books or other character books

•Colouring-in books or activity books

•Crayons or coloured pencils

•Character socks or underpants

•Matchbox or Hotwheels cars

•Novelty erasers, pencils and small notebooks

•Sets of coloured or scented pens. These can be divided up and chosen individually

•Small Lego kits

•Glitter glue pens or other novelty craft papers or supplies

•Plasticine or modelling clay (inexpensive packs are generally available at supermarkets and discount stores)

To address the two previous comments......

A 4-year randomized, placebo-controlled trial of children aged 1-15 years found vaccine effectiveness ranging from 77% to 91%, following only one dose of vaccine given to previously unvaccinated children (Neuzil, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal, 2001).

Another 2-year study of children aged 6-24 months found that the vaccine was 66% effective against laboratory-confirmed influenza in year 1 of the study. Only children who were fully vaccinated (i.e. had either 2 doses if not previously vaccinated, or 1 dose if previously vaccinated) versus unvaccinated children were included in the analysis. In the other year, few cases of influenza occurred, making it difficult to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness.

A study of influenza vaccine effectiveness among >5,000 children aged 6-23 months found vaccine effectiveness of 49% against clinically diagnosed pneumonia or influenza among fully vaccinated children (Ritzwoller, Pediatrics 2005).

All of these studies together suggest substantial benefit from influenza vaccination of children.

Carey of MS 12:45AM September 18, 2010

Is telling our daughter she doesn't have to get the shot because her parents care enough to protect her against GBS and that nature did a great job making her immune system strong enough to deal with this as she is a healthy, well-nourished child!

Shannon 12:25PM December 06, 2009

Sugar impairs the immune system, which is already being stressed by the vaccination. So yes, ice cream after vaccination is always a bad idea (and so is letting your kids eat gummy bears while waiting for their vaccinations).

Why don't you do some real research on keeping kids healthy instead of mindlessly repeating everything the CDC says?

Lesley Mautone of LA 10:51PM December 04, 2009

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On Parenting

On Parenting

Parenting may be an art, but there's a lot of science behind raising healthy, thriving children. Contributing Editor Nancy Shute explores the latest discoveries and developments affecting children's health and parenting. Send her your comments and questions at onparenting@usnews.com.

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