As flu season comes at us full throttle (Kiki is battling his first stomach bug) I get asked a lot if I’m going to get a flu shot. And still the answer is NO. I’m not getting one, my hubby isn’t getting one and neither is Kiki. Stop asking me.

For the past few weeks, I have been digging around the internet trying to find really good resource to pass along to those of you who have questions about vaccines and I want to remain as neutral as possible….BECAUSE….what is good for us may not work for you and I really do not believe that “one size fits all” especially when it comes to kids. Which leads me to my latest love affair…the Holistic Moms Network. These gals talk about peaceful parenting, body/mind/spirit nourishment of our children, getting us and our kids to care about our environment and most importantly – BEING AN INFORMED PARENT. Especially when it comes to health care and vaccines. You owe it to yourself and your children to gather as much info and resources as possible so  you can decide which path is right for your family. So stop sponging off me and check out this site.

Naturally yours, Dallas

I’ve received some inquiries from a couple of my readers about whether or not I’m going to give Kiki a flu shot. And my answer is simply…NO. But to elaborate – I do have several reasons for not getting him vax’d and here are a few of them!

1) This season’s flu vaccine supply is formulated based on last year’s strain. You can do that math on that one for yourself.

2) I would rather him get the current flu virus (if he gets it at all) and let him develop antibodies naturally. )No, I’m not wishing the flu on Kiki and yes, I know that if he gets it, we all get it.)

3) I really believe that with the proper diet, herbal supplements and acupuncture our family can maintain a healthy immune system which to me, is always the most important thing and makes the most sense. Don’t forget – 70% of your immune system lives in your gut! Watch what you eat, especially during flu season.

4) The “flu mist” vaccine that is being offered for our little ones scares the crap out of me. I’m not going to squirt anything up my infant boy’s nose. Hell, I’m wouldn’t squirt it up MY nose!

5) I think the risks associated with the flu are less and more manageable than the risks associated with the vaccine.

If you’re unsure about whether or not to get the flu shot this year…DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Ask your friends what they plan to do and why, talk to your pediatrician and get all the facts before you make your decision.

If you decide to get a flu shot, call around and go somewhere that is offering mercury free shots. Ask to see the UNOPENED box before they give you the shot and read the ingredients on the box. If they will not do this or the box says mercury or thermasol on the list of ingredients…LEAVE.

Here are some resources that I’ve used to for vaccine information.

www.generationrescue.org

www.naturallifemagazine.com

www.holisticmoms.org

www.mothering.com

And of course….www.cdc.gov.

Naturally yours, Dallas