Help! Pediatrician Just Called; Recommending Flu Shots for Kids

[suzannen]

Our 9 year-old DD's pediatrician's office called to say for the first time, they are actively recommending flu shots for most kids this year. They are expecting it to be a worse flu season and are offering the shot free this week.

My DH and I already got ours and after hearing about the deaths last week of 4 children in Colorado from the flu are considering it.

What are others doing? Anyone else got one for their kids yet?

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Get them the shot! My kids have always had the shot since they were little. No problems at all and I know I did all I could to protect them. They got the shot the first time after they suffered SO bad from the flu. No picnic for them nor us(we did not get it from them as we had the shot that year!) I do everything I can to protect my children from something that will make them sick for a week or even worse.

 

[Mermaid02]

DD (14) is sick so probably won't be able to get one, but I think my ds is getting his on Saturday- he won't be happy, but the flu scares me this year!

 

[Pin Wizard]

I'm getting my shot tomorrow. After reading this, I think I'll call the pediatrician and ask about DS. Especially since we're headed to cold climate for Christmas! Thanks!!

 

[suzannen]

Does anyone know if they have any different reactions to the shot than adults (sore arm, occasionally achy for a day)? I am leaning towards it, just not sure what to expect.

 

[mickeysaver]

The Atlanta area is having a run on Type A Influenza right now. Dang near every flu test we do has come back positive for almost 3 straight weeks now. The flu has come early and it's hitting everyone. If your pediatrician suggests getting the flu shot, then do it. Maggie....medical assistant at a pediatric office

 

[Disney Ella]

I scheduled shots for the kids this morning (for the first time.) The first time I could get was for next Thursday.

 

[my3kids]

My children have always gotten flu shots. Never a problem, and when virtually the entire school was absent (like2 children in each middle school class!) my vaccinated child never got sick.

 

[my3kids]

Young children have to receive 2 does the first year...not older kids, just little ones, but can't remember the age that they no longer need the second dose either 2 weeks or one month after the first. After that, it is just one shot a year. Again, only little children need 2 doses, and only the first year they receive the flu vaccine.

Just went back and checked. Children younger than 9 need 2 does one month apart.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I think it's a good idea. I got my kids their first ones ever two weeks ago - they have to go back on the 15th to get their second one. I'm so glad I did this after hearing of those children in CO. It breaks my heart when I see their family on the news. So sad . . .

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I've been considering it, but wonder what my options are with only being able to go after 3:40 so no one (including me) misses school. DS had a little bout last night, a fever and some vomiting this AM, but is all over it now and very upset he missed school today!
Robin M.

 

[SeaSpray]

We always get flu shots for ourselves AND for DSs ages 15 and 12. DH is diabetic, DS15 has asthma, and I think it's just a good idea for anyone/everyone to get the shot. It's made using a dead virus so you cannot get the flu from the shot, but both DH and I had a sore spot at the injection site for a day. Neither DS had any soreness at all.

I've heard this year is going to be really bad, I'm so glad we've had our shots already.

 

[becka]

DS had his two flu shots earlier this year. With him in daycare and the news about how bad the flu season will be this year I just didn't want to take any chances.

Hopefully the flu will stay away from everyone but if it gets here hopefully DS (and us) will stay healthy.

 

[Mskanga]

This was the 7th year of my oldest getting the flu shot and the 3rd for my youngest. It works wonders for them, if they get a cold is usually very mild to where they get the sniffles for 24-48 hours.
Remember that they can still get the flu , but usually a lot milder.
In my opinion is we vaccinated our children against diseases that are no longer around that much , why not the flu?
I got it this year for the first time ever , I can only hope that it works for me like it works for them.

 

[SillyOldBear66]

Going against the crowd here.....
Our pediatrician is recommending flu shots for toddlers and children with risk factors...ie. asthma.
DD14 & DS12 were thrilled to hear that our pediatrician didn't feel they needed the flu shot.....although it was time for DD14 to get her tetanus booster. OUCH!

-Tabitha.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Originally posted by mickeysaver
The Atlanta area is having a run on Type A Influenza right now. Dang near every flu test we do has come back positive for almost 3 straight weeks now. The flu has come early and it's hitting everyone. If your pediatrician suggests getting the flu shot, then do it. Maggie....medical assistant at a pediatric office

I hate to dissuade people from doing things that help their children, but isn't this year's flu shot Type B?? Meaning that it would have little to no impact against the Type A that is going around?

Please don't get me wrong; my DDs shots are current, but I do have a hard time getting a flu shot that only protects against one strain when so many other strains are out there. I suppose there is a logic that says there is one less strain that they could get, but...

 

[mom2boys]

Our peditrican is out of the flu vaccine & can't get anymore. Thanks for posting. I have to call the health dept & see if they still have it.

 

[mtemm]

my son is going tomorrow for his. We've had to put it off a few times because of the steroids he was on. I am so sick about those poor babies in Colorado, and wish I could just keep him and my family home and safe this year. Not really practical or mentally healthy, but still!

I'm nudging my dh to get his, too. He wants one, just sometimes needs that little push.

personally I am not getting one. I'm pg with twins and I've heard too many conflicting things. I'm hoping that my son and my dh getting one will help me not get the flu. If I wasn't pg I would most likely get one, even though I have never had one and haven't had the flu in 10 years or more.

 

[Talking Hands]

Pin Wizard
My in ternist and Endo are both recommending that all diabetic patients no matter type or age get flu shots this year. Had mine done a few weeks ago.

 

[Lorix2]

I feel that any protection from any strain of the flu is much better than none at all, especially if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Our ped. recommended it for our DD11 w/asthma and for my DH who has Crohn's disease. We all got the flu shot including my DS6. No problems at all, though my injection site was a tad sore the next day. The kids nor my DH complained about that at all.

My kids are getting really tired of hearing me say "WASH YOUR HANDS", but too bad

Edited to add: my DS had to have his first shot, then waited 31 days for the second dose because he's under 9. In fact, his 2nd shot was today.