Odd that a doctor would say this?

[Lorix2]

I have a friend with kids 9, 7 and 23 months. They all see her family doctor for care. The 7 y/o has asthma. My friend is anemic. She also just had surgery (women problems) and has been recovering slowly. She needed 4 blood transfusions, she's not in the best of health.

I told her my kids had the flu shot and asked if she was planning to get her kids vaccinated due to the asthma and for herself.

She said "my doctor told me it wasn't worth it since you can still get the flu anyway".

Has anyone heard that the shot doesn't really prevent the flu? Shouldn't her kids have a pediatrician at these ages??

I know it's her business, I'm just concerned that's all. I also know the kids are uninsured and she's worrying about that as well.

Advice please??

 

[Mermaid02]

It's true that you can still get the flu after you get your flu shot... BUT I have never heard a doctor say it "wasn't worth it" There are people who can't get a flu shot.... but that doesn't mean the shot isn't worth it for others. Weird.

I'm a firm believer in Pediatricians..... My opinion is that nobody is an expert at everything...... my kids go to the pediatrician..... my gynecologist does my pap smears.... and an orthopedic doctor keeps an eye on my avascular necrosis.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

I am not a medical person, but here is the explanation I have been given when it comes to the flu shot:

The vaccine is changed each year and is only good against the particular strain it is aimed at. Since there are many different strains of the flu, you can still get the flu. You probably won't get the strain you are inoculated against, but that doesn't mean another strain won't get you.

I do find it odd that her Dr said it wasn't worth it since this year's innoculation is against a pretty virulent strain. Around here, Drs are begging people to get the shot!

I hope it works out for your friend.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

The friend and the child with asthma really should get the shot. My doc pushes it very hard for people whose health isn't 100%.

 

[my3kids]

A child with asthma should have the shot, as should anyone living in an asthmatic's immediate household. It can be just to dangerous to take any chances on bringing that virus into the home.

On the type of doctor issue...we all see the same family practioner. They are trained to see people in all stages of life, from the births of newborns to geriactric conditions among the elderly. Just an an orthopedist is trained for bones, a family practice physician is a specialist in treating all ages of patients. A pediatrician will refer to a specialist when a child has asthma, or a broken bone, or a neurological condition. Same with a family physician. One benefit is the doctor knows the family as a whole unit. That is a good thing .

 

[CEDmom]

I think it's strange since it sounds like they're in the high risk group. However, I also think it's strange your friend didn't ask her doctor to explain his answer more thoroughly. As far as the doctor issue goes DH, DD (4) and I all go to a family practioner as well. I really think what's important is that you go to a qualified doctor who you are comfortable with and can have a working relationship with.

 

[Pat]

Around here they are also pushing for everybody to get the shot unless some medical condition keeps them from getting it.