H1N1 Vaccination

Another vaccination? Do I really have to? Isn't it enough that I already got the typhoid, Hep A, Hep B, tetanus, and malaria vaccinations? I'm really not that fond of needles and was not interested in getting any more. So, for a moment I hesitated at getting the H1N1 flu shot. Will I really be at greater risk in Guatemala than I will in Winnipeg? What's the worst that could happen? - Again, don't answer that!

My health professional friends reminded me that it's not just about me. Did I consider the fact that without the shot I might be the infector - the one introducing the virus to a highly vulnerable population? Did I consider the fact that I'd be on a plane for 5-6 hours with limited air circulation? Did I consider what might happen if I did get seriously ill in Guatemala? Uh, no I didn't think about that.

So, today, I got the H1N1 vaccination. Just like with the tetanus shot, the needle didn't hurt, but the lingering ache in my arm reminds me of the times my big brother used to pummel my upper arm - oh what fond memories! I haven't thought of my big brother this much for a long time.

It's hard to know what's right, but in this case - for me, it felt like the right thing to do.