No Santa For You!

So far no one in my family of three has been able to get the ever-elusive H1N1 vaccine.  We have made the decision to get the thimerosal-free vaccine which seems to be the one coming out last.  Because I am on medication that compromises my immune system I am considered high-risk for H1N1.

It seems that there are a lot of people still looking for the vaccine all over the country.  The latest "group "of people? Santa Clauses.  Some mall Santas' unions have asked that their members be put on the government's priority list for the H1N1 vaccine due to their frequent contact with children.  So far that hasn't happened yet. Which has made my husband put his foot down; Tyler will not see Santa unless he has received the vaccine!  He feels there are too many coughing, sniffling, sneezing kids and Santa's lap will be ripe with Swine flu.  

What am I supposed to tell my excited three-year-old who finally understands Santa Claus, who only has a few precious years before he finds out there isn't really a jolly fat man who is somehow able to deliver Christmas presents to children all over the world in a few hours?  What about dressing my darling up in shades of reds and greens and the pictures we will keep forever?

As much as some people may think my husband is overreacting, it is no fun to have a sick kid around the holiday season.  Last Christmas Tyler was sick with some stomach, flu-like thing that lasted for nine days.  His presents under the tree stayed wrapped, he had no interest in them.  

But there are so many places where the H1N1 may lurk:  birthday parties, holiday parties, daycare.  The feeling to wrap up your child in a hand sanitized bubble with a bow on top is very powerful.  

Perhaps Santa Claus will be available via video conferencing.  In the meantime, I guess all I am wanting for Christmas is the H1N1 vaccine.

This is an original post to New Jersey Moms Blog.  Emily writes about being a mom with chronic illnesses on her blog, Mama Sick.