Should Your Children Get an H1N1 Vaccination?

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Flu season is approaching and the 'regular' seasonal flu shot is available, but that's not what has many parents talking.

Instead, the safety of the H1N1 vaccine is at question. The vaccine's availability has many wondering if doctors should give children the H1N1 shot, or not.

Many pediatricians' offices are getting swamped with calls from moms and dads wanting to know just that. Some doctors say they just don't know yet.

Ella, 6-months-old, is getting her routine vaccinations. Her mother also plans on giving her the seasonal flu shot sometime this month, but she's not sure about the H1N1.

"I think I'm waiting to see the information after they finish the trails and it's been released and start hearing how people are reacting to it," Ella's mother, Kathy Johnson, said.

Many doctors in the metro aren't making any recommendations yet even though parents are already calling in to ask.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, which many physicians follow, is waiting for results from clinical trials.

Still, others are confident in encouraging their patients to get the H1N1 vaccine.

"Since it's made the same way as the routine seasonal flu vaccine it should be the same side effects," Physician's Assistant, Kathaleen Cassidy said. "It's the same type of culture; it's just a different strain of the influenza virus."

Ella's mother is planning on taking advice from various sources before she makes her decision.

"I don't think I'll go solely off the doctor's recommendation," Johnson said. "I wanna see some evidence and stuff, too."

Don't be surprised if you call the doctor's office and they don't have an answer for you yet. Doctors do know that once the vaccine is available, it will consist of an initial shot and a follow up booster.