Like many science journalists this year, I find myself troubled by an underlying tone of advocacy in my reporting on H1N1 influenza. In particular, this uneasiness concerns my coverage of public concerns about the H1N1 vaccine.

The online conversation here on iVillage.com reflects what pollsters say they're seeing: A significant minority of Americans have misgivings about getting immunized. Within this group is a small but vocal core of individuals who see an underlying conspiracy between public health officials and the pharmaceutical industry--a conspiracy bent on delivering dangerous vaccines in the name of profit.

So here is my quandary:

As a journalist, I strive to give voice to both sides of controversial issues.

As a science writer, I must weigh and convey the scientific evidence.

The quandary? Study after study and decades of use show flu vaccines to be safe and effective. In the United States, the H1N1 vaccine is prepared no differently than other flu vaccines. Indeed, if the H1N1 strain had been detected earlier, it would have been included in this year's seasonal flu shot.

Admittedly, this is of little assurance to those who see vaccines as generally dangerous. But here, too, the science is overwhelming.

In extremely rare cases, vaccines may trigger problems. But when it comes to the vaccines currently approved for use, studies show that serious reactions are so rare that they do not rise above chance occurrence. Vaccinated children do not suffer neurological or other problems at higher rates than do unvaccinated children. But unvaccinated children do suffer higher rates of infection and related complications, including death.

In the last two months, over 22,000 Americans have been hospitalized for influenza-related pneumonia, and over 2,400 have died. All of this is presumed to be due to H1N1 influenza because seasonal flu has yet to begin its upswing. This rate of flu-related hospitalization and death has reached the level typically seen at the peak of a flu season, in late December. So health officials worry that far worse may be in store.

And so I circle back to my difficulty: How do I, as a journalist and a science writer address "both sides of a story" when the scientific evidence is on one side and the potential consequence of ignoring the science is so great? I pose this question with the sincere hope of a respectful dialogue. Please, continue to send your questions and comments.

Meanwhile, the writers and editors at iVillage.com remain committed to addressing your questions and concerns, both in this column and in Q&As such as Dr. Tanya Berenson's Questions about Swine Flu? iVillagers Asked and Dr. Tanya Benenson Answered and Swine Flu: Shots, Germy Kids and Other Questions.

Science journalist Jessica Snyder Sachs is the author of Good Germs, Bad Germs: Health and Survival in a Bacterial World. Got a question or comment about swine flu? Post it here. Throughout the flu season, Jessica will be answering your questions on all things influenza.