Concerned parents need more than reminders to get children vaccinated. According to peer-reviewed studies, the "regular" flu vaccine has no effect on the new H1N1 virus (CDC and Australian Pandemic report, Aug. 2009).

If the new swine flu vaccine conforms to the regular models, it will only provide 6 percent to 15 percent protection against the flu (Cochrane compilation of all studies). It will have no effect on deadly complications in any population group (Cochrane). No study of flu vaccinations has shown any benefit for children under 2, and every year half of those killed from vaccine side effects are under 2 years old. (Cochrane and CDC data for the last 10 years). Those promoting vaccination should provide published research to inform patients.

Parents waiting for vaccinations can provide their children with black elderberry, which blocks the H1N1 virus. A single garlic capsule daily cuts in half the incidence and the severity of a flu episode for children.  We all need to remember that increased stress doubles the risk of contracting the flu and losing sleep over it can raise your risk of the flu fivefold. Supplying children with probiotics (yogurt, fermented products, capsules) can lessen the nausea and diarrhea associated with this flu strain. We can weather this flu season with common sense and wise choices.