Are you getting the flu shot for your children?

[Trish Bessette]

I am getting worried with the recent news press with the 4 children in Colorado dying from the flu. I know they recommend children under 2 get it but the children that died were 8 and 12 yrs old.

Are you having your child(ren) get the flu shot? I called my pediatrition and all they said is "if you want it we have ample supply". But then again, what else can they say.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Check out this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=473161

A big discussion on just that subject! There is a lot of really good information in the thread.

 

[mtemm]

from what I understand, one of the children who died was 21 months, the same age as my son. He is going this morning for his, and I'm hoping my husband will get his this week as well. My son got it last year, too, and never had any problems with it. He had a couple of colds during the winter but never had anything like flu thank god.

 

[Trish Bessette]

Thanks....I checked the thread that is there. Very good information. I was so anxious to post this question I didn't even look to see if it was already out there.

 

[CEDmom]

I'm also getting a little concerned and will be calling our doctor in a little while for advice. We've never gotten DD the flu shot but I'm really leaning towards getting it now if it's not too late. We're traveling to California next week so that has me a little worried about being exposed to germs not yet in our area.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Trish,
I was wondering the same thing about a month ago and after doing some research and talking to a few medical professionals - I decided to get the flu shot for my kids, ages 3 and 7. This was BEFORE the deaths in CO and now I am so happy that I did. Although some people argue that it isn't effective against the flu that's going around - I don't think that's a valid argument. From what I've read the current vaccine has some A sub strains in it that ought to provide some protection from the severe form. It might not stop them from getting the A type flu that's been the problem this year but I believe it would lessen the severity and that is important given what's happened. I worried about side effects of the shot and all but in the end I think there's a greater risk from the flu than from the vaccine. If your kids have egg allergies that's something to question with your doctor.
I also considered FluMist for DS who HATES shots but found my insurance wouldn't pay for it as there's a cheaper alternative (shot). He cried BEFORE they gave him the shot but I had him look at me, it helps him NOT to watch the nurse give it, it was over in a wink and then he was fine - like immediately fine. They have to go back to get the second one (since it was the first time for them) in two weeks.
Personally I believe in being proactive and better safe than sorry. I read info on www.cdc.gov and not only may this be a severe flu season - in may be epidemic. Check out that website, there's a lot of info.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[Christine]

I always get my DS the shot since he has asthma. He is now 8 years old and has been getting it for several years (even with an egg allergy). I just got my DD (12) the shot this year--I figured that I probably should because the flu seems to sweep through middle schools like crazy.

Neither of my kids had any side effects accept a sore arm.

Also, this Fujian flu that seems to be hitting the kids in Colorado and Texas was NOT one of the strains covered by this year's flu shot; however, they said that some of the strains in the vaccine are similar and might make it less miserable.