I took Thomas to the doctors today to have the swine flu jab, as he is under 5 they give them half the dose which is still as effective as they build up the antibodies to fight the flu if they were to come into contact with it. I sat with Thomas on my knee, the vaccination had to go into the top of his arm, I held his T-Shirt up as the nurse gave him the swine flu vaccination. What surprised me was that Thomas watched the needle go into his arm but he didn’t flinch once, I closed my eyes waiting to hear him start to scream a delayed shock of having the needle…But nothing! I had to look to make sure the vaccination needle actually went into his arm! He was an extremely brave little boy, I am so proud of him. All I can put his braveness down to is from his spell in hospital before Christmas when he was really poorly with Bronchitis, during the 8 days spent in hospital he was prodded and poked so many times, he had a lumber puncture and all sorts! Compared to that a small flu vaccine jab is a walk in the park!

He had the swine flu vaccine quite late, his appointment was at 5pm today, when we got home we gave him some Calpol as instructed by the nurse then bathed him as usual and put him to bed for his usual time 7pm. Up to now he has been is usual good self, I have been in his room several times to check him he is fast asleep. I cant comment yet on how he will be later on tonight and in the early hours, fingers crossed he won’t have any reaction to the vaccination. The nurse did say his arm may go a little red, and it may ache or he may gain a temperature – I will just keep my eye on him throughout the night I do hope he is ok!

Thomas is due his MMR vaccination, I asked the nurse how long we should leave it she said around 3 weeks! So I have booked him in for his MMR for the end of February.

I have decided to let Thomas have the seasonal flu jab which also includes the Swine Flu strain. After his time spent in hospital before Christmas with bronchitis and a chest infection I dont want to take any chances. Whilst he was in hospital the nurse said that he may be more prone to colds and flu now as his condition left his immune system and chest quite weak. So I called my doctors this week and booked an appointment for him to have the seasonal flu jab. I know the Swine Flu danger has lowered this year but there are still instances on the news where in severe cases several under 5′s have died from Swine Flu, I dont want to take the chance. At least if Thomas has the seasonal flu jab, god forbid if Swine Flu was to come back worse in years to come Thomas would have had the vaccination now and would be in a better position then if he hadn’t had the vaccine.

I have carried out a lot of research on the Internet and speaking to other mums, there is an element of uncertainty with the flu jab where many mums don’t trust it. Consequently health professionals and medical research point out that the vaccine is safe. Pregnant women in America have been having the seasonal flu jab for many years, a friend of mine who is also a Doctor is pregnant and has had the flu jab. If pregnant women can have the flu jab without it having any adverse affects on the fetus, it gives you confidence that a 1 year old baby would be ok to have the seasonal flu jab.

As a mother I have had to make some tough decisions in the best interest for Thomas, it is a hard thing to do as there are always pro’s and con’s for everything. Naturally I am a worrier and find it hard to make a decision, but since having Thomas I have found it in me to be more decisive I have a life to look after now its not just about me. I dont mind going without or taking the chance when it comes to me but Thomas I have developed a responsibility to give him what he needs and make decisions for his best interests which has often included me standing up and making myself heard.