It’s impossible, if you live in Canada (or at least Ontario where I am), to have not heard about H1N1, the vaccine and the media frenzy that has surrounded it. It’s likely even more impossible not to have an opinion about getting the vaccination or not, or feeling stressed having to wade through information on the internet and in the media.
With two young children, I read as much information as I could without driving myself insane,and decided to get us all vaccinated. I won’t argue why or against those who decide not to, but I will say that after reading credible information I was comfortable making the decision. But it wasn’t an easy one. As a parent, all you want is the best for your child. This potential pandemic is new territory.
When I was asked to blog about the Ontario Ministry of Health flu information, I was happy to. There are times when I feel I have to put trust in experts and my government, and this is one of those times.
Below are a few helpful links, including clinics offering the vaccine (now open to all residents), information about the flu, the vaccine and where to get help, and an identifier tool. I will say, that I found the tool not very useful – most of the scenarios in which it identifies that I (or the kids) could have influenza are logical conclusions. If you are concerned about any symptoms you or your family have, be sure to consult your doctor.
No matter what you decide about the vaccine, please be sure to take typical precautions to avoid illness and stay home should you or your family be ill.
I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central and received a Mom Central gift pack to thank me for taking the time to participate. For more information, please visit www.momcentral.com
