FLU Shot Advice

[Mouse House Mama]

And if you know that you should get the thermosil free shot. Which if you read my post you will see I said that it exists as well. I highly doubt that it is dangerous to *many* though. Some? yes. Many? No. If I am wrong please point me to percentages of the population that has issues with even trace amounts of metal in their body.

Until then I will listen to this link
http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/ABOUT/QA/thimerosal.htm

Sorry I wasn't wise enough to tell you that unless you have known issues the trace amounts aren't dangerous. Kind of like saying that flying isn't dangerous for most but there is always the exception to the rule. But for the most part both are equally as safe to the average American population.

Then again I have a feeling you are anti-vaccination so this conversation is probably 100% pointless.

Just don't go putting people down for doing things that they believe in as you did in your post.

I know I sure do not do that. I consider that kind of thing to be rude.

Wow! You certainly seem to think you know so much about me! FTR- I am not anti-vaccine. We do vaccinate. But thank you again for assuming. I did not put anyone down for their choice. I stated mine. I know all about the thimerisol free shots but thank you for being snippy about it. Oh- and yes, you are being very rude and putting people down because our choice is not yours. As for it not being safe only if you have known issues, well I happen to know someone who didn't know she had an issue until after the shot. So that blows that theory out of the water. It is clear that you think that your way is the right way and you are entitled to that. However, don't pretend that you are not being rude about it. I wish you the best and will return to the topic that the OP asked for opinions on.

OP- I would do what was best for my family. I think your sister is just concerned for her child. However, unless she never goes anywhere she cannot guarantee that everyone in the world has been vaccinated for the flu. I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy the new addition to your family!

I am now bowing out of this thread.

 

[DisneyKT]

Well I guess since it is your sister child she can request that. Does not mean you have to get one. Just don't see the baby. Send a gift and ask for pics.

 

[CathrynRose]

That said, I guess I wouldn't lie.

Youre right - it wouldnt be the right thing to do, but as a previous poster mentioned, unless she's planning on keeping said baby in a bubble and not leave the house, the baby is going to be in contact with plenty of people NOT vaccinated. I think the whole thing is absurd.

Besides - will this be a yearly request? Every flu season you cant see junior unless you've had a shot?

I think it's crazy.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I have a feeling this is a first time mom. Lots of people go a little crazy with their first child. They tend to loosen up pretty quickly once they get a dose of reality.

 

[Fishbone†]

Youre right - it wouldnt be the right thing to do, but as a previous poster mentioned, unless she's planning on keeping said baby in a bubble and not leave the house, the baby is going to be in contact with plenty of people NOT vaccinated. I think the whole thing is absurd.
I think it's crazy.

I completely agree. I think it's absurb too for several reasons including the one you mentioned - she can't keep the baby from being in contact with unvaccinated people, nor does the flu shot protect 100% against all strains.

I'm just saying I think lying would be completely unfair. I would be angry if I found out someone lied to me just because they felt they were right and my viewpoint was invalid. Wouldn't it be better to point out the obvious to her and let her know why you feel her request is unreasonable? If she sticks to her guns, there's not much you can do. It's her absurb request, and my guess is she'll eventually realize it.... after child number 2.

JMHO

 

[mamacatnv]

No I would not get the shot just to appease her unfounded paranoia. I am also assuming your sis is a first time Mom. She'll get over herself, (hopefully) most do.

Remind your Sis that building immunities is important and that the baby for the most part will be protected by her immunity and all the better if she breast feeds.

We had some really good friends that had a perfectly heathy thriving baby in January several years ago, Mom was petrified of RSV (I know it is dangerous and deadly, I am not making light of it). No one and I mean no one got to see, touch, hold or breath near the little darling until her debut at her christening when she was 6 months old. The one set of grandparents were allowed into the house after dawning a mask and gown. I'm not kidding. I went to the hospital with the requisite flowers, stuffed thing and the call ahead that I would come by. I was greeted at the door by a very sheepish hubby who took the offerings and then would not allow me to cross the threshold. At the christening no one was allowed to hold her. The kid is now about 5 and a sickly little thing. Her brother who came along less than 2 years later got pawned off on anyone and everyone who was willing. Healthy, robust 3 year old.

 

[lsyorke]

I have a feeling this is a first time mom. Lots of people go a little crazy with their first child. They tend to loosen up pretty quickly once they get a dose of reality.

Exactly! She'll get over this as the baby gets older. To the OP...she's not going to be happy to find that alot of her OB nurses won't have had the flu shot either. The reality is that her baby will live in the real world where she has no control over these things. She'll learn.

A more logical approach is to encourage handwashing.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yes, my sister did get the shot. I was surprised that she is "requiring" it for those that want to be around the baby, as she has never been really worried about that kind of stuff before.

Not sure how I feel. A little like I am being guilted or blackmailed by her.

Motherhood makes one worry about things that they never worried about before. Since the very young (newborns) and the elderly are very suseptable to the ravages of the flu, should they get it, I don't think she is being unreasonable at all. She is doing what she feels is correct to protect her baby. Now hopefully she will be consistent and not take the baby out and about in crowds, restaurants and malls, but no, I wouldn't be insulted and she shouldn't be insulted if you choose not to get the shot (although I think you should, ) It doesn't hurt. Honest. Everyone gets one if they live in our house.

 

[ameraumi]

Unless you are going to be in constant contact with the baby I do not understand why you need the shot. I have only done it if I am going to be in constant (nearly daily) contact with small children, the elderly or those with a weakened immune system.

Your sister is very much out of line IMO. Staying away when ill and washing hands should be more than plenty. I would never force someone to get a shot like that.

That said not all flu shots have mercury in them. Those that do have such teeny tiny traces of it that it isn't dangerous. Also the flu shot does NOT make you sick. If you got sick after it wasn't related to the shot. Yes you can feel a little run down as one can feel after all vaccines but it cannot make you sick. If you caught the flu you were exposed to it prior to the shot

Not true! I have had a reaction to the flu shot and it did make me ill. All 3 times I had the shot I was ill within a few days. I have spoked to my dr, DH's Oncologist and the Research Nurse he is working with and they all agreed I had a reaction to it. I do not know what ingredient causing the issue as I am not allergic to anything. So yes, it can make you sick.

OP: I am not sure what I would do in your shoes. If you are against the shot, then I would not get it just to make a family member happy. After all, there is no guarentee it will protect you.

 

[clgwli]

Just as an FYI when I say sick I mean make you ill with a virus. Reactions are reactions and not something you can pass on.

Please stop taking my words and twisting them. I've already been hurt enough here by mean people

 

[momrek06]

First of all, OP, if you do not want the shot do NOT get it. PERIOD.

Second if DSis has a problem with you seeing the babe because you are shot-less...then so be it and deal with that....oh and do not lie that you indeed did get it.

Lastly, my DS' are all grown up, done with college etc.......I had one DS in June and one DS December 30th. We had EVERYONE at our house when he came home from the hospital because it was Christmas/NY time. Family was over 24/7. We celebrated throughout New Years, party after party. No one had flu shots and newborn DS was absolutely FINE.

And for what its worth....my DMIL had her first flu shot ever around 1988 and she was so blasted sick from it that it took me until 2006 (and only because we were going to Europe for 2 weeks) to have my first ever flu shot. So I understand where you are coming from.

Good Luck, OP, with whatever decision you make!!!!