Riding the Vaccination Wave

I finally broke down and made an appointment to have my daughter vaccinated against H1N1 at our pediatrician’s office. I’d straddled the fence for a while — not because of safety concerns, but because I wasn’t convinced it was necessary. You see, I’ve never had a flu vaccination and my spouse gets one every year. We both typically get the flu during the winter months and, for better or for worse, this only functions to make me more secure in my choice.

However, all the news swirling around the swine flu made hubby nervous and he insisted on whatever protection for our child was available. Our pediatrician had vaccine, so we went today after school for the shot.

Oh. My. Goodness.

There was dedicated space and staff for vaccination appointments, and a box of masks to help prevent those who were already infected from spreading their viral love. The number of people in the waiting room was crazy. We arrived 15 minutes early and waited nearly an hour and a half for our chance to snort.

Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday that 49% of parents were still undecided about H1N1 vaccination for their children? Or maybe the news of a potential vaccine shortage has created a tsunami?

Whatever the reason, blessings to all of you at work in a pediatric practice. You are in my thoughts this flu season.