Is it possible to get out of getting my dtr the flu shot?

[kaytieeldr]

It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccination to take effect; and tge virus constantly mutates, so one year's vaccination (made from that year's virus) won't be effective in another year.

[luvsJack]

Several of my coworkers are in the medical field--allied health programs. They have been told that this years flu shot is spot on for the strain going around. The problem this year has been folks either not getting the shot or getting it to late.

[cornflake]

Originally Posted by jahber

In fact, my children and I came down with a violent case of the exact strain we were "immunized" against. The nurse was shocked when she saw the results of the strain test. The thing is, we ended up with the flu AGAIN the next year after the shot. And I'm talking bad enough to go to the doctor, although they didn't test that time because it was so obvious we had the flu (and maybe didn't want to report another case of flu after a vaccine?). So, we don't get the vaccine anymore.

We homeschool anyway, so we limit out exposure to the outside world when we are sick. I don't accept many of the requirements Florida places on public-schooled children (and parents), so I made a choice not to place myself under their authority. I would argue it comes down to the same decision for the OP. I wouldn't lie, but that's me. If you want to use their schools, you have to abide by their rules.

And yes, I vaccinate for diseases where the vaccines have been proven to work. The flu vaccine, alas, has not. But some people prefer to ignore that and assume that if it's a vaccine, it MUST be for the common good.

What?

[Christopher Robin]

OP, did you get your DIS answer?

[luvmy3]

Originally Posted by jahber

In fact, my children and I came down with a violent case of the exact strain we were "immunized" against. The nurse was shocked when she saw the results of the strain test. The thing is, we ended up with the flu AGAIN the next year after the shot. And I'm talking bad enough to go to the doctor, although they didn't test that time because it was so obvious we had the flu (and maybe didn't want to report another case of flu after a vaccine?). So, we don't get the vaccine anymore.

We homeschool anyway, so we limit out exposure to the outside world when we are sick. I don't accept many of the requirements Florida places on public-schooled children (and parents), so I made a choice not to place myself under their authority. I would argue it comes down to the same decision for the OP. I wouldn't lie, but that's me. If you want to use their schools, you have to abide by their rules.

And yes, I vaccinate for diseases where the vaccines have been proven to work. The flu vaccine, alas, has not. But some people prefer to ignore that and assume that if it's a vaccine, it MUST be for the common good.

There is no vaccine out there that can guarantee 100% protection.
Also, the flu vaccine changes every year based on what strains are most likely going to be the most prevalent. Getting the vaccine one year does not give you immunity the next year or to every strain out there.

[kidshop]

Originally Posted by kaytieeldr

The most trustworthy/neutral source I could find on this is a 2010 USA Today article on flu myths http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/yourl...yths-flu_N.htm

Myth 5: Flu shots contain methyl mercury and other toxic chemicals.

Although there's no evidence that the ethyl mercury-based preservative thimerosal causes harm, vaccine makers responded to public concerns in 2001 and stopped using it in most vaccines.

Neither flu shots in individual-dose containers or the FluMist nasal spray contain thimerosal. Flu vaccine kept in multi-dose vials do use thimerosal as a preservative, to prevent the growth of fungus or other potentially dangerous germs, Bergen says. Patients can ask for the thimerosal-free versions.

But scientists note that all mercury is not the same.

Thimerosal contains ethyl mercury, which has not been shown to cause harm, rather than methyl mercury, the type that can cause brain damage, Offit says. While most laypeople don't pay attention to such differences, they're important. Consider the huge difference between ethyl alcohol — or drinking alcohol, found in wine and beer — and methyl alcohol, or wood alcohol, which can cause blindness.

There's also no data to prove that thimerosal causes autism, Offit says. In fact, seven studies now refute that idea.

Gunter notes that flu shots don't use aluminum, which is used in other vaccines as an "adjuvant" to stimulate a stronger immune response.

While many medications and consumer products have trace levels of chemicals, so do our bodies, Offit says. Breast milk has more mercury contamination than vaccines. So does infant formula. But vaccines, like breast milk, play a vital role in keeping infants healthy.

"If you have zero tolerance for mercury, you have to move to another planet," Offit says. "We all have mercury and formaldehyde and aluminum in our bodies. Vaccines don't add to what we normally encounter every day."

It's not that the flu vaccine is particularly toxic. It's that I do not believe it it necessary. I just don't take medicine I don't need. It you need it, take it and it's worth it. If my kids had medical issues where the flu would cause a more serious threat, I would get them the shot. Otherwise I do not want stuff injected into them. I'd rather take chances with the flu than the vaccine.

It's not about being anti-vac. It's about deciding for yourself about risks/benefits to pharmaceuticals. I'm just not of the mindset that if 'they' want me to take something than I must not question and it must be best.


I just got the adult tdap shot b/c that one I think is worth it.

[ez]

It seems to me that this years flu shot must be a good match. My son and I got the flu and my husband and older son who got the shot didnt, and they made no effort to avoid us at all, they were sitting in bed with us many times as we hacked away on them. And now my mom has the flu and my dad who got the shot hasnt caught it from her. My mom has been really really sick btw, it seems quite true what they say about if affecting older people much worse She is in her 70's and now shes on an inhaler and all kinda of meds now because of it.

[sam_gordon]

I heard somewhere the flu shot's effect only lasted 2-3 months. So if you got the shot in October (for example), by February, it won't protect you. Has anyone else heard that?

[Mouse House Mama]

Originally Posted by mnrose

Of course it is the decision of the parents. My issue is deciding for all other parents that it's a "stupid" rule and should simply be ignored or is something one can "lie" about in order to circumvent. The parents are absolutely able to decide not to vaccinate. But, then they also need to accept the consequences of that decision...much as I do when I decide, for example, that my child shouldn't ride the bus because I don't like the culture of the bus. I can choose to do that, but then must accept that it means either my kids will walk to school or I will drive them. I DON'T have the right to insist that the district provide taxi service for my kids.

Each decision we make as parents involves choices. Make one, and live with the consequences. Don't insist that your child is "special" and deserves to be able to ignore the rule AND get the benefits ordinarily conferred upon those who comply with the rule.

I get what you are saying and in most cases agree with you. However, why does someone get to say "I believe in xyz so I don't have to do that" and the others who might have different "religious" beliefs don't get that choice is their personal beliefs are in conflict? Religious beliefs are personal beliefs no matter how we twist it.

[Janepod]

Originally Posted by sam_gordon

I heard somewhere the flu shot's effect only lasted 2-3 months. So if you got the shot in October (for example), by February, it won't protect you. Has anyone else heard that?

That seems to be false. From http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_inf.asp

How long does immunity from influenza vaccine last?

Protection from influenza vaccine is thought to persist for a year because of waning antibody and because of changes in the circulating influenza virus from year to year.

[Robbi]

Originally Posted by sam_gordon

I heard somewhere the flu shot's effect only lasted 2-3 months. So if you got the shot in October (for example), by February, it won't protect you. Has anyone else heard that?

I've read 6 months efficacy range.
Children need 2 vaccines because 1 vaccination is only 66% effective.
It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to become effective.
The vaccine provides protection for 3 strains although there are countless strains because the virus mutates.

[sam_gordon]

Originally Posted by Janepod

That seems to be false. From http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_inf.asp

How long does immunity from influenza vaccine last?

Protection from influenza vaccine is thought to persist for a year because of waning antibody and because of changes in the circulating influenza virus from year to year.

Thanks!

[Christine]

Originally Posted by sam_gordon

I heard somewhere the flu shot's effect only lasted 2-3 months. So if you got the shot in October (for example), by February, it won't protect you. Has anyone else heard that?

Yes, I've heard that too. In fact, I remember one year, when the flu season lasted particularly long, they were urging folks to come in for boosters who had gotten the shot in September/October. That's why I was sort of surprised when I saw it being pushed hard in August.

[jahber]

Originally Posted by luvmy3

There is no vaccine out there that can guarantee 100% protection.
Also, the flu vaccine changes every year based on what strains are most likely going to be the most prevalent. Getting the vaccine one year does not give you immunity the next year or to every strain out there.

I'm not sure what you're arguing against here. I didn't say I only approve of vaccines that guarantee 100% effectiveness. Nor did I imply that the flu vaccine should provide immunity for more than one flu season. I said I personally approve of vaccines that *work*, in other words, that fulfill their purpose of eliminating or vastly reducing a disease among the vaccinated population. At least, that's what I was taught in my medical sciences classes. Perhaps others have a different understanding of what an effective vaccine does. Incidences of small pox, measles, rubella, etc, have been drastically reduced or officially eradicated (small pox) by vaccines. While the flu vaccine CAN be effective when it is well matched to the strain you actually contract, it has not happened for my family. And in fact, according to independent sources--including those already mentioned previously--the vaccines have not been nearly as effective as we've been led to believe. I hope that helps clear up any confusion about the point I was trying to make.

[kaytieeldr]

Originally Posted by jahber

I'm not sure what you're arguing against here. I didn't say I only approve of vaccines that guarantee 100% effectiveness. Nor did I imply that the flu vaccine should provide immunity for more than one flu season. I said I personally approve of vaccines that *work*, in other words, that fulfill their purpose of eliminating or vastly reducing a disease among the vaccinated population. At least, that's what I was taught in my medical sciences classes. Perhaps others have a different understanding of what an effective vaccine does. Incidences of small pox, measles, rubella, etc, have been drastically reduced or officially eradicated (small pox) by vaccines. While the flu vaccine CAN be effective when it is well matched to the strain you actually contract, it has not happened for my family. And in fact, according to independent sources--including those already mentioned previously--the vaccines have not been nearly as effective as we've been led to believe. I hope that helps clear up any confusion about the point I was trying to make.

This year's flu vaccine appears to be extremely effective against this year's flu mutation (see DISers own reports in this thread, as well as official reports).

Because the virus mutates as it travels from one victim to the next, one vaccine can't be effective. The vaccine has to be adapted to fight the specific mutation.