I'm not a big fan of immunizations. I feel our kids are too over-immunized. Natural immunity is so much better! What ever happened to "Chicken Pox Parties"?! With kids headed back to school, there's a new vaccine being pushed, the H1N1 or Swine Flu Vaccine. Should you rush out and get it? NO!

First, I looked to Dr. Sears for advice. Dr. Sears is great for letting us know exactly what is in each vaccine and the risks associated with each one. He does not yet know what is in the vaccine or what side effects to expect. That alone has me putting off the vaccine. If I were to inject anything into my children, I want to know what's in it. The regular flu vaccine does contain thimerisol and so the chances are high that the H1N1 will also contain it.

Today, I read an article from Dr. Mercola. All manufacturers of Swine Flu Vaccine have been granted legal immunity. If you suffer any side effects, no matter the scale, you have no recourse against the vaccine manufacturer. Previously, if your child suffers effects after an immunization, you could file with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP). Even though the manufacturers weren't held liable, you still had some chance of retribution. Now, you don't even have that! Dr. Mercola goes on to point out how little testing has been done on these vaccines and how it is in the manufacturers favor to know as little as possible about the vaccine's side effects.

As of now, there will be about 120 million doses of H1N1 vaccine available. Pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions are at the top of the list to get the first vaccines.

The CDC states that approximately 5% to 20% of the population contract the season flu each year. There are about 200,000 hospitalized and 36,000 deaths. The swine flu has only hospitalized 7,983 people and so far only 522 deaths. This is far below the regular, seasonal flu.

What can you do? Frequent hand washing. Make sure you're getting the recommended daily allowance of vitamin E and other antioxidants like A, C and B-complex vitamins and minerals. Carry and use hand sanitzer. (We love EO's Hand Sanitizer, buy lots of little bottles and keep them all over the place!) The swine flu is a bit harsher than the regular flu, but if you're healthy, you shouldn't worry. If you feel sick, stay home. Don't risk infecting others. Relax, it's just another flu season with an extra flu strain going around that just might hit you a little harder.