“I recommend women in the latter stages of their pregnancy not wait even a week for unadjuvanted vaccine.” This is the quote from Nova Scotia’s Chief Public Health Officer that greeted me in the Halifax edition of Metro on Tuesday morning. There was a similar statement in the online version of The Chronicle Herald. Trouble is seems there are no plans to have vaccine available in any quantity in Halifax before November 2.
Mé had been doing some research from home trying to decide if she should get the vaccine or not. The real concern came down to whether or not to take a vaccine with adjuvant. The Globe and Mail published a helpful Q & A on H1N1 which touched on this and a number of other issues.
Mé is due for that big push within two, three weeks maximum. Really though, Lila could come out for her welcome party at any time. Both Noah and Nellie were a week early. After some helpful advice from the professionals at the 811 call centre, we decided not to wait any longer. We grabbed that brass ring and set our minds on getting our skin popped with the adjuvanted vaccine made available yesterday for the first time in Nova Scotia. We’re not fully clear what the risks are 
though we feel and hope they are minimal. We don’t want Mé and Lila to run the chance of contracting the swine flu in the absence of all protection.
Yesterday we drove the 45 kilometres or so to the East Hants Resource Centre in Elmsdale. We arrived shortly after 13h00 and there were approximately 300 in line along the sidewalk and one of the perimeter lines of the parking area. People had started lining up before 9h00. A security guard approached Mé and signalled her to follow him. He took us to the rear of the line inside the centre. There were now about 20 people ahead of us and an additional 30 to 40 people in the actual waiting room. The security guard had just started turning people away when we were parking our car. We got through because Mé is pregnant.
The employees at the vaccination clinic were patient, caring and present. It was an incredible testament to their professionalism and compassion. The flow through of people did not stop all day long.
Our guys were tired to begin with as this was their usual nap time. It was a challenge to keep them entertained and amused for what turned out to be a two-hour wait. It was long for the adults in the room. It was an eternity for them.
The injections as a grand finale were not a show stopper for our little darlings who had no clue they were in for a needle until just moments before the dastardly act. The act itself was cause for piercing 
wails as we wrapped both kids tight in our arms and legs forcibly immobilizing them. Thankfully the high-pitched sounds of fear and terror were rapidly replaced by a sobbing diminuendo. Recovery was quick and smiley faces reappeared as both Nellie and Noah resumed with play in the recovery room.
It was early to bed last night for everyone. We all had some tenderness and soreness in our arms. We’re happy that the decision is behind us and that we’re now vaccinated. Next I have to speak with my two older daughters to see what their plans are.
For more information on H1N1 visit the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Here in Nova Scotia you can check this provincial site for vaccination schedules throughout the province.
For a more global perspective on the pandemic consult this map by the World Health Organization.
Oops, nearly forgot - the young ones have to go back in one month for a second shot…..
PS - The swinish nature of the afternoon had everything to do with attempting to curb the enthusiasm of a just turned four-year-old and an about to be two-year-old in a confined space with no real play areas. The volunteers and staff were excellent.
