The Stay at Home Mother

So right now the biggest health issue in our country (and many others) is the H1N1 virus.

Everytime I open up a newspaper, listen to the radio or watch the news on tv, I am bombarded by images and stories about children and adults alike who are healthy and strong, dying from this epidemic.

I have never been more scared of anything in my life - especially for my children.

And we aren't that family who gets a regular flu shot every year. We believe in naturopathic answers like vitamins, eating right, exercise, etc.

Which made the decision to have both my children immunized with the H1N1 shot so difficult....

Last week I was adamant that my chilldren were NOT going to get it. I felt that because the testing had not been done as rigorously as hoped - that the side effects may be harmful to them.

Of course, this was before I realized that this epidemic is killing children - and that the alternative of a few side effects didn't seem so dramatic anymore.

So yesterday I took both my children to our doctor's office to receive their H1N1 shot. They only received 1/2 shot, so I will have to phone back in two weeks to see if they can receive the other 1/2 of the dose.

You see, in Canada, they haven't decided as to whether children need to have the other half of the dose. However, in the US, it has already been determined that they do.

I think what bothers me most about this is that there is no standardization. Not only amongst countries, but provinces within Canada. Some adults have already received the shot, while others in Canada are still waiting.

Some are "skipping" the line like the Calgary Flames Hocky Team, whose players received their shot before it was their turn. For every one of them who stepped in front of those who needed it most; I say, shame on them.

So many children still are waiting for the shot, and hundreds turn up at clinics each day to get their H1N1 shot.

We waited a total of 45 minutes to get our children done - which isn't bad compared to others. And their reactions haven't been bad. Neither complained of any type of soreness with their arms, or any type of fever. Knock on wood!

I also believe that by doing our part as parents and keeping our children home if they are sick or keeping them out of the masses right now is a great preventative measure.

I took my children out of swimming because I just felt that the exposure to that many other children right now is not a good idea. I don't feel that it is the cleanest environment for them to be in.

But if you have questions - the best place to go is the government website in Canada, which addresses many concerns: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

Also talk with other parents, and stay informed. I believe I did the right thing for my children and you need to do the same for yours as well - so know the facts!