I am now struggling to find any sort of help with what to do when it comes to giving my children the H1N1 shot. My problem starts with a sort of unique situation: my 15-month-old is due for her vaccinations at the same time I am to give her the H1N1 shot.

The first step I take is to call my family doctor:

Me: Hi there, I was wondering if I could ask you a question regarding the H1N1 shots.

Reception:We are not able to advise you one way or the other whether to get one.

But you're my doctor's office — who am I supposed to call then?

Public Health for any questions.

OK, so what about my daughter’s vaccinations. Safe to give her both? Let me ask ... OK, I just asked the doctor and nurse and they’re not sure ... call Public Health.

Then I call Public Health:

Me: The H1N1 shot — you strongly feel that my children should receive it?

Public Health: Well, I'm not a medical professional, but I can give you my personal opinion.

OK, thanks for that. What about my daughter's vaccinations coinciding with her H1N1 shot?

I have no idea. You should call your family doctor.

I did and they said they didn’t know, that I should call you.

Oh, well I’m sorry, I don’t know. I’ll transfer you to Telehealth.

I am transferred to Telehealth, where I leave a message:

Me: Please, I need to find out whether it is safe to have my 15-month-old daughter receive vaccinations and the H1N1 shot within a three-week period. Please call me back.

And I'm still waiting.

How can I be expected to make the safest and best decisions regarding the care for my children when I can't get a straight answer from my family doctor or public health?

Why is it that no one seems to have any information with regard to this H1N1 vaccination? Have we just distributed this without any instruction manual? Are there no medical professionals who are familiar with this?

Erin Banko, Hamilton Mountain