Why I’m Not Getting the H1N1 Flu Shot, Part One
OK, before I open myself to a bunch of potential
criticism let me say it: I’m NOT a doctor. I can’t
tell you whether to get a flu shot. I wouldn’t advise
you not to, because I’m not legally allowed to do that.
That’s a decision for you & your qualified health practitioner.
So talk to your doctor about this, alright? I just want to
get you thinking about this issue so you can start your
own investigation.
Now that we’ve got that straight, let’s talk a little about
what’s really going on with the whole H1N1 thing,
on a bigger scale. Anytime we get word of a potential pandemic,
whether from swine flue, bird flu, west Nile virus,
Bubonic Plague….our culture moves into hysteria mode.
Now, you might say that hysteria is warranted
when you’re dealing with something like Bubonic Plague.
(which H1N1 flu is NOT). And I would say this:
Hysteria is sometimes understandable.
But it is never advisable.
Because it is NEVER going to get you a result you want.
If your mind is looking for something to
fear, there is always plenty of material.
Terrorism. Accidents. Iran having nuclear weapons.
Child abduction. Losing your job.
But you don’t need to buy into the fear game.
Information is just that, information.
You can use the information to awaken
your consciousness around how you would
like to respond. That’s responsibility.
Response-ability. We all have the potential
For it. Will you claim it?
From a manifestation
perspective, you want to focus on what you desire.
So whenever you hear people talking about the
flu or pandemics, give thanks for the information
and then bring your focus to health and wellness.
That’s what you want to manifest. What inspired
actions can you take to support your optimal well being?
And if you do get the flu shot, while you are
there, call to mind a feeling of deep appreciation
for the health care workers who are there to
support you, for the people who developed the
vaccine, and for your own body’s amazing immune
system. That’s the mindset you want to be in anytime
you are receiving a medical intervention.
I’ve decided to forego the vaccine for myself
and my kids and mindfully choose a healthy
lifestyle instead. There is lots of information out
there about the potential risks of the vaccine
and the limited amount of testing that has been
done around it. But frankly, that has not made my
decision for me. I’m certainly not a risk averse person
and I definitely don’t turn my nose up at things
just because they haven’t been tested to someone
else’s standards. I have to go with my gut.
Does it feel right? And the answer for me, with
the H1N1 vaccine, is no. Your answer may be different.
Here’s why I decided to skip the shot for myself & my kids:
I can understand the government’s desire to contain a potential
health crisis. I can also understand the pharmaceutical
and medical industries looking for ways to earn money
by alleviating people’s fears. But as an individual, and
as a mother who is responsible for the health decisions
of my family, my goals are not necessarily the same
as those of the big institutions. I need to make an
individual decision for myself & my children.
I’m not anti-vaccine, all the time. My aunt, after all,
has post-polio syndrome. I’m grateful that we
no longer deal with polio or measles epidemics.
But treating every disease with a vaccine instead
of looking at how to support the system from within
is sort of like large scale pesticides on an industrial
farm vs. integrated pest management on an organic farm
(guess where I’d rather get my food from?)
Can I guarantee that I won’t
get the flu? Or that my kids won’t get it?
No. But a vaccine wouldn’t guarantee that either.
(And it might be worth noting that none of us has ever
received any kind of flu shot. I treat my family at
home whenever possible with preventative measures
as well as homeopathic, herbal & nutritional support,
getting holistic and then medical intervention for us
when necessary. We rarely go to the doctor).
Now, my friend Dr. Stephen Feldman just
sent me an article with some suggestions
on what to do to help you stay healthier this
season whether or not you get the
H1N1 vaccine. So, whatever side of
the vaccine fence you are on, these are great ideas:
1. Eat Healthy. Ok, you know this one. Just do it. More whole foods. Fewer processed. More veggies, fewer burgers. If you must eat on the run, take an apple and shove a spoonful of nut butter in your mouth on the way out the door. It’s cheaper and much better for you than the drive through (an apple a day….)
2. Drink plenty of water!!! Fill up a big water bottle early in the day & bring it with you so you can refill on the go.
3. Get plenty of rest. 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hrs a night
4. Avoid unnecessary sugars. Sugar is hard on the immune system! Read your labels…
5. Wash hands frequently & perform nasal washes (get a neti pot or other sinus cleansing system) after you’ve been in a crowded place or around a person who is ill.
I’m going to take the steps Dr. Feldman suggests
in addition to sleuthing out the latest science on immune
support and complimentary remedies for the flu (stay tuned…
I will update the blog each time I find something interesting!)
So, whether or not you get the flu shot this year,
you might want to consider the steps Dr. Feldman
recommends. (Find out more about Dr. Feldman at
And check back here on the blog periodically…I
will keep you posted on what I find in the way
of flu remedies!
To your good health,
Kimberly Schneider www.KimberlySchneider.com
Email this post
October 6th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Kim,
Your thoughts follow my own, and after some research of my own, rather than being swayed by the fear-mongering that the media is breeding, I have made the same decision.
My kids and I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle and eat very well (though I’ll admit that I am hung up on sugar!). The kids lunches I made were noticed in elementary school as being the healthiest that those teachers had seen,
.
I appreciate your specific advise on nasal wash as well as hand-washing. no one really wants to think about what goes on inside their nose but gosh, that little organ does A LOT of work and if helping it filter airborne bacteria helps keep us healthy, I’m all for it. Now, to convince the kids..
Liz
October 9th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Hi Kimberly
I have decided not to get the flu vaccine here in the UK.
I have heard from a health worker that if you take ‘tammy flu’ the medicine offered here right now that you can feel worse and can lengthen the duration of the illness by up to 3 days – does that make sense?
Have also heard that the vaccine is delivered along with a mercury derivative so you get a shot of mercury with your flu germs.
Also…I have a cynical distrust of the drug companies who have a disproportionate say in our health service and the education of our health professionals. H1N1 is a big money spree for them.
I eat a high raw veggie diet with supplementation…I feel happy with that protcol.
Good info to be found on the John Barron and Dr Mercola websites.
March 21st, 2011 at 3:01 am
I didn’t get that flu because I stayed home all the time. Didn’t get the vaccine either because many people were feeling really sick after it