To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That indeed is the question these days when it comes to the swine flu vaccination.  Our Parents Ask experts, Dr. Jay Gordon, Dr. Cara Natterson and Dr. Bob Sears share their expertise and insight on this slippery subject, with a range of opinions that represent the lively conversation going on across the country.

Want more information about the safety of the vaccine?  Here's the breakdown of the facts and opinions that brought our experts to Yes, No or Maybe.

Yes the vaccine is safe.

Dr. Cara Natterson says YES and is in agreement with the CDC guidelines and recommendations.  

Why?

-The CDC claims that the “safety profile” (and the side effects) for the H1N1 vaccine is very similar to that of the seasonal flu vaccine which has safely been given to hundreds of millions of people over the past few years.

- Approved vaccines -- including the 2009 H1N1 swine flu vaccine -- are calculated to be much, much less risky than the diseases they prevent. For example, out of every million people who get a flu shot, one or two will get a serious neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

-The CDC, FDA, HHS [Health and Human Services Department], the Department of Defense, and several large HMOs with great medical records are all collaborating in enhanced surveillance for this national 2009 H1N1 vaccine campaign," Mark Mulligan, MD, executive director of the Hope Clinic of the Emory Vaccine Center in Atlanta told WebMD. "If there is a signal for a rare or late adverse event, we will identify it as early and as quickly as we can.

Additional links to if you’d like to read more

-The Survivors Club Swine Flu center

- Swine Flu: What we’ve learned

- H1N1 Flu and You

Just say No

Dr. Jay Gordon says a strong NO to the vaccine.   

Why?

- Not enough testing of the vaccine to deem it safe. 

- Consequences of not acquiring immunity this time around could be really terrible and far outweigh a mass prevention program.

- Swine flu does not pose a realistic risk to your family this winter (and there are other ways to keep your kid healthy!)

Additional links if you’d like to read more:

- Does the Vaccine matter?

- Influenza Surveillance

-New Side Effects?

-Concerns about Thimerosal in vaccine?

Maybe  

Dr. Bob Sears is in the “maybe” camp.   

Why? 

-Acknowledges the virus is a serious illness and that“the shot helps protect against the flu and lowers the risk.” 

-Does have concern about the limited amount of research on the safety and efficacy of the new shot.

- The recommendation for infants is four doses (2 seasonal; 2 H1N1) this year – that’s unprecedented and a lot of shots for one child!

Additional links if you’d like to read more:

-The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for your child.

-On the fence about the swine flu vaccine?

- To vaccinate or not to vaccinate.

- The new great debate