Back to school means many preparations, including receiving immunizations.  For some, vaccinations can be controversial.  Some do not believe in them.  Since we have a health care worker in the family, vaccinations are a necessary and expected part of our lives.

Onslow schools are great about joining forces with the Onslow County Health Department to administer seasonal flu shots at school.  This avoids kids being taken out of school to get the shots in other places, assures that those who may not take the time to go get them have access and it helps the schools as it can mean less chance of the flu being circulated around the school, which affects many students becoming sick and contagious.

My tween wants to opt out from the school administering her shots.  Why?  She has anxiety and had a bad experience last year.  She wants me to take her to her favorite “Magic Shot Nurse” at the hospital.  Our magic nurse makes my kids so distracted that they don’t even know they have received a shot.  Although it’s convenient to have the schools do it, we are respecting our tween’s desire and will have her vaccinated privately.

I know some question the validity of vaccinations and immunizations.  Some studies have indicated it causes negative side effects and or health problems.  Some do not believe for religious reasons.  I guess I believe it is a person’s personal choice whether they do or don’t.  I for one will immunize because of the exposure my husband has to people and illness and that in effect comes home and could cause illnesses for our family.  You can find more information about this age old controversy on wikipedia…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccine_controversy

Do you believe in immunizations?  Do you believe that the service of bringing the shots to the schools through the county is a good idea or forcing a side of a controversial issue?  Do you think it is irresponsible not to immunize?

Saturday, President Obama declared H1N1 influenza a national emergency. The White House said that Obama signed a proclamation last night allowing public health officials to bypass certain federal regulations.

Anne Schuchat, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, says there’s no need for alarm. “It’s really more a continuation of our preparedness steps,” she told USA TODAY on Sunday. The declaration will help with flexibility in case hospitals see a greater influx of flu cases in coming months, “she said.

The national emergency is a reminder how important it is to be well informed about the signs and symptoms of H1N1 as well as how to keep you and your family safe. This is especially important for families with children.

Join us on Onslow’s  Health Talk blog on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 9 AM where we will have Onslow Memorial Hospital’s infection control nurse available to answer your questions. Sign up with your e-mail below and we’ll remind you of the event.