I've been getting asked this question a lot lately. As a mom, consumer health advocate, and former pharma pill pusher my gut screams for more information. What are all the ingredients in the vaccine? (Does it contain mercury?) What are both the short and long term side effects? (Are the benefits worth the risk?) Where/how are doctors getting their info about the vaccine? (Who gets rich if my kids get this shot?)
And so, as in the past, I found myself turning to Dr. Bob Sears for advice. At his Website you'll find answers and questions—many similar to my own—about H1N1, as well as many other vaccines. You'll also find a voice of reason—a doctor who doesn't pretend to have all the answers. Because if there's anything I've learned in my twenty years of working in health care, it's that doctors are human and medicine is never black or white (no matter how many double-blinded-funded-by-pharma studies you review). In fact, things get downright dangerous when we fail to ask good questions and hand over decisions regarding our families' medical care.
I know that the verdict of whether or not to vaccinate this fall will be stomach wrenching for many of us moms and dads; but I have faith that if you visit Dr. Bob's site, you'll make an informed and empowered choice.
And what an amazing example to set for our kids.
Related:
Vaccinations—just a shot in the dark? What every parent should know. (My interview with Dr. Bob—he discusses an alternative vaccination schedule as well as advice for discussing this issue with your pediatrician.)
To HPV or not HPV? (Christiane Northrup M.D. weighs in on the HPV vaccine.)
The MUST HAVE conversation with your teens about texting and driving.
Wonder why your child is overweight?