Flu Shot Frustration

Every decision seems so much bigger when Charlie is involved -- and every inconvenience so much worse!  Jason and I started thinking about flu shots over the summer with all the publicity around the H1N1 virus.  I never realized how scary stuff like the flu can be when you have a small baby.  We have been incredibly blessed and Charlie hasn't really been sick yet (just a couple cases of the sniffles that cleared up in a matter of days), so I can't even imagine what it would be like for his first illness to be the full blown flu or even worse, the swine flu.

After much consideration and discussion, Jason and I decided to get Charlie the seasonal flu shot, but to forego the H1N1 vaccination -- it's just too new.  We're not completely convinced that we're making the right decision, but we're going with our gut instinct.  Plus, we figure the facts that he's not in group daycare, he doesn't have any older siblings in school and neither Jason nor I work with children or in healthcare are all on our side.

All that being the case, Charlie had his first seasonal flu vaccine dose at his 6 month appointment in early September.  He did great (I didn't do quite so well -- apparently flu shots reactivate my childhood asthma for about 24 hours -- yuck!), and we were on track to get the follow-up dose this afternoon.  Unfortunately, Charlie's pediatrician's office called yesterday and they're out of the vaccines.  They suggested that I take him to CVS, because they've heard that they have plenty.

So last night I called CVS to confirm that they knew how to give the second dose of the two part vaccination required for first timers and was told that not only do they not vaccinate anyone under the age of 9 (!), but they only vaccinate one day a month.  They suggested that I call Walgreens.  Walgreens told me that they do in fact vaccinate every day, but again only people over the age of 9.  Correct me if I'm wrong but according to all the doctors on the news, small children are at the highest risk for the flu (whichever variety) and should be first in line for vaccinations.  If that's the case, how come establishments that only vaccinate pre-teens and older have plenty of flu shots, but pediatricians offices are out?!?

This morning I called our pediatrician back to try to coerce them into finding a second dose and let them know that the alternatives they are providing to parents are useless.  The result is that Charlie is at the bottom of a lengthy waiting list and can possibly expect to get the second dose of his flu shot in early to mid November -- but no guarantees.  They have ordered 4000 doses, but are only receiving 20 to 30 at a time.

I'm amazed at how quickly I stop caring about everyone else's children and just want my son to be vaccinated, but I try to remind myself that a lot of kids either haven't had the first dose yet, go to group daycare, have older siblings in school or have parents that work with children or in healthcare.  Plus, with Jason and I both getting vaccinated, we should stay healthy for him (yes, honey, that was meant to make you feel guilty enough to stop at the next Walgreens you pass and finally get your shot...)  So far I've been able to change my own mind for about 2 to 3 minutes at a stretch, but inevitably the mama bear comes back out and I want my Charlie's dose now!

The nurse at the pediatrician's office did tell me that it's possible the first dose will do the job on it's own and the second dose is just to "make sure", but I think she may have just been pacifying me.  Either way, it looks like our only option is to wait.  And worst case scenario, if Charlie does get some strain of the flu, I know we'll make it through it.  So far I've had 2 good friends whose sons have been stricken with H1N1.  One is is still in the trenches but one is fully recovered, so I know the experience is survivable -- even for the mama bear -- but I truly hope it doesn't strike here.

Healthy Charlie