Friday, October 16, 2009

H1N1 Update

I just got home from taking the kids for the H1N1 vaccine. Here's what you need to know:

1. The lines are LONG--Our regular peds office does not have any of the vaccine and I was advised to get McKay vaccinated asap so I had to visit the Health Dept. clinic--and so was EVERYONE else.

2. Once I arrived, nurses there advised against vaccinating my 4- and 6-year olds with the nasal spray because it contains the live version of the virus and could pose potential harm to McKay.

3. They would not approve me for the vaccine even though I am the mother of a high risk child. If the baby is older than 6 months, mom gets nothing until the next round of vaccine is released.

4. We get to do this all over again when the injectible form of the vaccine arrives in enough quantities for adults and older children. They told me pregnant women are the next priority. If there's any left after that, healthy adults can get in line.

5. The H1N1 vaccine is a two-part vaccine for children under 9 years of age, so McKay and brothers will have to go back 30 days after the original dose to complete the vaccination. This was news to me as all the reports I heard said it was a one shot deal. For adults, yes. For kids, I guess not.

If you are considering the vaccine for your family, I thought you might like to know!

6 comments:

Lisanne said...

Isn't this a crazy process. I waited an hour and a half for Scotty's first dose yesterday. Oh man and I pray every day that my girls won't pick up anything while we wait for the injectable too (no mist here either)! Wish you the best!!!

Allison said...

Wow. What a mess! Thanks for the info... We will see if the Idaho process differs any!

Me said...

Thanks we will be braving the crowds tomorrow. We still have not been able to get flu shots for the rest of us because both our pediatrician and our family practice are out. Crazy that I am so desperate to get a shot in my arm.

Melissa said...

Thanks for the info!

Jenny said...

Wow. Sounds like you went through quite an ordeal. So, McKay did get his? What a hassle! Thanks for the very helpful info!

kto1s said...

Hopefully this will also help someone out:
From what I've heard and experienced, the facility that has been the least crowded was the one on 3690 S Main. I took the 3 little kids at 10:45 on Thurs, and was there for less than 10 min. Had to take Ashlyn on Friday after school (about 2:45), and was there a little less than a 1/2 hour. Who knows why some of the other places are an hour to an hour and a half!?!? It's nuts.