Swine Flu Vax and other stuff

A question was asked about the swine flu vaccine. While certainly not the first one, I know it won't be the last. Since I am still on the "refugee" status and living with my SIL, I don't have all the stuff easily accessible to me like I do at home to back up my view.

We don't vaccinate like most people. We do a very selective delay schedule. We vaccinate against tetanus around the age of 6 or 7. We have dealt with tetanus with one of our goats so we feel as though this is an important one for our family. Otherwise, we wouldn't bother with it. We will vaccinate Charlie against mumps as a teen-ager if he does not get it before then. Same thing with the girls and German measles.

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We won't vaccinate against hpv or hepB or any others where the spread is by blood and body fluids. They are not in a high-risk category (medical professionals, IV drug users, or sexually active) so they don't need it.

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The swine flu vaccine is (imo) being rushed through without really testing it. I remember reading something somewhere about how over 2000 people have died from the vaccine when just over 500 have died from the swine flu. (Keep in mind that the people who have died from the "regular" flu is in the tens of thousands.) The only way to know the difference between the swine flu and the regular flu is through testing. (Nasal swab.) Symptomatically, they are pretty much the same. While the flu is no fun for anyone (either the person who has it or the family who has to live with the person) getting a vaccine out of fear is not the answer. By the same token, not vaccinating out of fear is also not the answer.

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My advice: Do your research and decide for yourself. Is your family otherwise healthy? Does anyone in your family have asthma or some other illness with a compromised respiratory system? What are the risks associated with the flu? What are the risks associated with the vaccine? What ingredients are in the vaccine?

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Every decision has a consequence. Is the consequence acceptable to you? (Keeping in mind that vaccines are not 100% and you can still get the swine flu.)

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A decision based on research, education, and prayer will be the best decision which ever way you and your family decide.

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In other news, Hoppes Homestead will be at Pioneer Days on Saturday. We will also be set up on the Covered Bridge path the following week-end. Normally, we would be split, and for Covered Bridge we will be, but I have other plans for Saturday. I have to be in Sycamore. I am working on a new display board and little Christmas signs for our table for October to (hopefully) entice people to buy. Or at least keep us in mind for Christmas shopping.