OT-Do you get your kids flu shots?

[runwad]

Actually, this is not true.
"What about thimerosal, the mercury-containing preservative found in many flu vaccines? Flu vaccines in the United States that come in multi-dose containers generally contain about 25 mcg of mercury per dose. Most people who get a flu shot this year will probably get one of these."

http://www.drgreene.com/21_2032.html

From the CDC website:
Does the influenza vaccine contain thimerosal?
Yes, the majority of influenza vaccines distributed in the United States currently contain thimerosal as a preservative.
*This was most recently updated on Sept.26, 2006

Whether to give the shot or not is entirely a personal decision, but I believe it's crucial to pass on correct information.

Thanks for that link. My pediatrics office is giving my children the flu-mist and from your link it looks to not have the thimersal in it. Thank you.

 

[emh1129]

Thanks for that link. My pediatrics office is giving my children the flu-mist and from your link it looks to not have the thimersal in it. Thank you.

Yes, I just double checked the FDA website and it also confirmed that there is no thimerosal in flu-mist. It seems that they only recommend it for ages 5-50, though, which I didn't realize.

From the website:
"What are the most common side affects of FluMist?
Nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, headache, irritability, decreased activity, muscle ache and cough are the most common adverse events associated with the vaccine.
However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small, and serious problems from flu vaccine are rare."
http://www.fda.gov/CBER/flu/flumistqa.htm


The actual package inserts can be found here:
http://www.medimmune.com/pdf/products/flumist_pi.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/cber/label/inflmed061506LB.pdf

 

[las3888]

Same with us.

Same with us too...not for us, at least at this point in time....

 

[mrsmom]

My dd 20 and dh never get the flu shot , My dd 12 had a flu shot when she was 2yrs old and had allergic reaction to it and she has chronic medical problems, So she can't have the shot.
Myself and my two ds 9, 14 get the flu shot every year.They have asthma.
It is a great thing to do for my kids and myself every year!!
Kim

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

We all get a flu shot every year since my kids were young (now adults) and none of us has gotten the flu since we started these.

 

[kaysmommie]

I'm also on the fence about Flu shots this year. MY DD6 is in 1st grade and last year she got the FLu mist and did not get the flu luckily. DS2 got the shot and also didn't get the FLu. I don't really want him to have a shot but I don't want him to get the flu either, I would be so mad at myself if he got really sick. I really don't know how I feel About putting unnecessary viruses in my children. Just so no one gets the wrong idea my kids have been immunized for everything else including Pox and the Prevnar shot too. It's just that you hear so much bad stuff. I like reading others opinions on this subject.

 

[hsmamato2]

I need to read up on that CDC site, but sometimes I don't know I don't trust everything that I read and it is so hard when you are making decisions for your children. My friend got me paranoid about this thinking that maybe thermasol (sp?) may be in the flu vaccine and honestly I've just not had time to read up on everything concerning this, she is just telling me not to do it for the kids and it's now gotten me paranoid. I totally understand if you have an asmatic kid or child with other respitory problems but we have none of that but as someone said we probably get the stomach virus every year and the flu shot won't help with that anyway. I think I'll call the doctors office tomorrow and see if we can still get into one of the flu clinics for this month.

!!!NO!!! We don't get flu vaccinations,unless the risk /benefit ratio is worth it. There are TREMENDOUS risks in putting these things into your body,and forcing your immune system to cope in a way that's completely unlike what happens if caught'wild." I know many here may disagree, but those are facts too. If we had a person in our family with severe risks of being exposed to something, that would change the risk/benefit ratio for us. Otherwise, the flu shot is one of those 'things' that mainstream press would like us all to believe that we need to survive, but quite frankly,the real statistics don't back it up. And, the CDC website doesn't always tell you the truth, just what they want you to hear. Check out a variety of sources,and educate yourselves, then make decisions. I know people who do it every year,and get flus every year. Not the same virus? Maybe not. But we never have,and we haven''t gotten the flu either. if we did, we'd do our best to cope with it, boosting our immune systems naturally to help ourselves heal. Do bad things happen with illnesses? YES! Do bad reactions to vaccines that may not be necessary happen? Yes, even more so!

 

[princess mom of 4]

During the "flu shot season" there are many other respiratory illnesses circulating, which may be confused with seasonal influenza. This often leads to people thinking they got the flu from the flu shot! It is possible to still be infected with the influenza virus even after receiving a flu vaccine - the virus circulating may not have been included in the vaccine (called a "mismatch"). Even if you get infected with the same strain of influenza that the vaccine was targeted for, you should have a milder case. by the way, preservative- free flu vaccine is also available. I am a RN, holding international certification in Infection Control and Prevention, and this is what I teach to my hospital staff!!

 

[alloyd1170]

I never got one until I was pregnant. Since then, Ive been getting them, as do my kids (now 1 and 4). Normally we take a cruise around the holidays, so I want the added protection. Also, my son had breathing problems last year so he needs it. Plus he is always bringing home some illness from school and sharing it. My husband usually doesnt get one, and hes usually the one who gets the flu. Now when I was pregnant with DD, I did get the flu. I was miserable, but it didnt last as long. Im sure the shot helped with that (hubby caught it and he was sick much longer). As soon as they start giving them around here, we will get them.

You cant get the flu from the shot because its a dead virus. However, I believe the mist does have some live cells in it??? I may be wrong. If you do get the flu and had the shot, it shouldnt last as long or be as intense. It may be a different strain too. And from what Ive read, it might possibly give some protection from the bird flu??

alison

 

[emh1129]

by the way, preservative- free flu vaccine is also available. I am a RN, holding international certification in Infection Control and Prevention, and this is what I teach to my hospital staff!!

Do you know how many preservative-free flu vaccinations are made each year? I'd be curious to find out.. I do know it's really hard to find them because many clinics don't order them due to the increased cost.

 

[emh1129]

!!!NO!!! We don't get flu vaccinations,unless the risk /benefit ratio is worth it. There are TREMENDOUS risks in putting these things into your body,and forcing your immune system to cope in a way that's completely unlike what happens if caught'wild." I know many here may disagree, but those are facts too. If we had a person in our family with severe risks of being exposed to something, that would change the risk/benefit ratio for us. Otherwise, the flu shot is one of those 'things' that mainstream press would like us all to believe that we need to survive, but quite frankly,the real statistics don't back it up.

After doing a lot of research, I definitely agree. I'd never allow my children to get the flu shot.
The thing I still don't understand, though.. pregnant women are cautioned not to eat certain seafoods because of the mercury content, but then many are receiving this flu shot and injecting it directly into the blood stream?

 

[runwad]

After doing a lot of research, I definitely agree. I'd never allow my children to get the flu shot.
The thing I still don't understand, though.. pregnant women are cautioned not to eat certain seafoods because of the mercury content, but then many are receiving this flu shot and injecting it directly into the blood stream?

What about the flu mist why don't you like that? It supposedly doesn't have the thermosal in it.

 

[Ariel8676]

I get it for my kids..My oldest dd was hospitalized with the flu 2 years in a row(when she was 2,3)..first year for 5 days next year for 4 days..she was very very sick.
My 3 yo has asthma and gets it and i will get it for the baby..since we started gettting the shots for them no one gets the flu here.
Also you cannot get the Flu from the shot, it isn't a live virus. Sometimes it is just coincedence.. you may have been developing the flu at the time of recieving the shot.

 

[Addicted2TheMouse]

There are TREMENDOUS risks in putting these things into your body,and forcing your immune system to cope in a way that's completely unlike what happens if caught'wild." Do bad things happen with illnesses? YES! Do bad reactions to vaccines that may not be necessary happen? Yes, even more so!

I don't buy that at all. No offense. I'm all for people educating themselves about things like this. I'm an RN and I think it's really important that people know what they are putting in their bodies and take charge of their own health but it's also really important to make sure that you are trusting the information from reputable sources. There is so much biased info on the internet that you really need to be wary of scare tactics like the quote above.

So in reference to the above quote, just what exactly are all these "tremendous risks"? And where are the stats to back up the statement that more bad things happen with vaccines than with illnesses? If you can find me some reputable info that shows more hospitalizations as a result of vaccines than as a result of influenza then I'll be convinced. Otherwise, I will continue to get a flu shot every year to protect myself, my patients, and my family. And I will continue to get it for my DS2 as well.

 

[noodleknitter]

So in reference to the above quote, just what exactly are all these "tremendous risks"? And where are the stats to back up the statement that more bad things happen with vaccines than with illnesses? If you can find me some reputable info that shows more hospitalizations as a result of vaccines than as a result of influenza then I'll be convinced. Otherwise, I will continue to get a flu shot every year to protect myself, my patients, and my family. And I will continue to get it for my DS2 as well.

How about one dead niece. Is that a good enough stat for you?

Add to that one deaf cousin.

Both due to vaccines.

You, of course are welcome to do whatever you want. That is basically what has been stated throughout the thread. Each parent needs to make the best choice for their family. I believe that was even stated by the poster you quoted.

We opt for building a naturally health body with a healthy lifestyle. It has worked for us. We have 9 people in our family and have gone 4 years without needing antibiotics. To each his own.

 

[KirstenB]

Noodleknitter, I have to ask, what do you do to build a healthy immune system. I'm very serious, and not picking on you. I'm not sure whether dd's who are 8 and 1 will get the flu shot or not.

On the one hand, I'm scared for them not to get it, because of the potential complications. On the other hand, I had no idea they even made shots with thimerasol anymore, due to the controversy with it.

Please ... you and anyone else who advocates not getting shots, do you feed your children vitamins? Or choose special foods for their nutritional benefits?

I'm just kind of a traditional mom. I try to feed the kids somewhat nutritious foods, and have them get some fresh air, but I don't know of anything special to do. If you have some tips, I'd love them. Thanks!

 

[dzorn]

My 9 yrold daughter contracted the flu in 1998 and had a severe prolonged seizure which left her non-mobile, non-verbal and 100% dependent for the rest of her life. Before this, she walked, talked and was ahealthy child. This is rare but it does happen every year to various degrees in children, who get the flu.
I love my child unconditionally and she is ALOT of work. I would never want to see this happen to another child. Please...unless allergic...get the shot... your child's life could depend on it.

It can go both ways. I firmly believe my daughter developed her autism after given her vaccines. Every has to make this choice based on individual circumstances. Vaccines can have some long term health consequences.

I don't want to start any futher debate but if you are getting the flu shot please make sure it does not contain the preservative thimersol. Don't take doc word for it check the package.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

I don't buy that at all. No offense. I'm all for people educating themselves about things like this. I'm an RN and I think it's really important that people know what they are putting in their bodies and take charge of their own health but it's also really important to make sure that you are trusting the information from reputable sources. There is so much biased info on the internet that you really need to be wary of scare tactics like the quote above.



So in reference to the above quote, just what exactly are all these "tremendous risks"? And where are the stats to back up the statement that more bad things happen with vaccines than with illnesses? If you can find me some reputable info that shows more hospitalizations as a result of vaccines than as a result of influenza then I'll be convinced. Otherwise, I will continue to get a flu shot every year to protect myself, my patients, and my family. And I will continue to get it for my DS2 as well.

I would suggest you read Evidence of Harm by David Kirby. Enough said.

 

[graygables]

The only time my father ever had influenza was the 2 times he had the flu shot in the Army. After the 2nd time, he was exempted from the shot by the military and hasn't had the flu since. The only time *I* ever had the flu was the 2 times *I* had the flu shot, the second time I was sick for 6 weeks. I really don't think it's a coincidence and I do believe that different bodies respond differently to vaccines. As an aside, 10yo was fully vaccinated and still contracted a full blown, confirmed case of pertussis (whooping cough). My now 8yo had to have surgery on her leg when she was 2 years old to remove a growing cyst that was caused by a vaccination. She continues to have leg pain and has difficulty walking long distances (more than the grocery store and sometimes even that is painful)

We do NOT get the flu shot, but our children are e-schooled, so not as exposed as others may be. We do use a homeopathic remedy called Oscillo that our doctor recommended.

 

[Bird-Mom]

Noodleknitter, I have to ask, what do you do to build a healthy immune system. I'm very serious, and not picking on you. I'm not sure whether dd's who are 8 and 1 will get the flu shot or not.

On the one hand, I'm scared for them not to get it, because of the potential complications. On the other hand, I had no idea they even made shots with thimerasol anymore, due to the controversy with it.

Please ... you and anyone else who advocates not getting shots, do you feed your children vitamins? Or choose special foods for their nutritional benefits?

I'm just kind of a traditional mom. I try to feed the kids somewhat nutritious foods, and have them get some fresh air, but I don't know of anything special to do. If you have some tips, I'd love them. Thanks!

I'm not Noodleknitter, but I do not do any vaccinations and also trust in a healthy immune system. I feed my children (and dh and me too) mostly organic, whole foods. I do not give them vitamins because we get plenty from the food although my dh does take them. We use homeopathic and natural remedies if we need to. We get plenty of exercise and we wash hands a lot. I believe that our immune systems are perfect; they do not need the interference of modern medicine, i.e. vaccinations, to protect us from diseases of which I am not scared. My older dd caught rubella from a playmate who had recently gotten the MMR and was shedding. It wasn't scary, and now she has natural immunity without all the poisons that are ingredients in vaccines.

I don't think you have to do anything special. Excellent nutrition, hygeine and exercise is what our bodies need. If we were so deficient, a higher power would have created us differently. I do not keep my children isolated-they go to school, friends' houses, public parks, on trips, etc.

Google the ingredients and then tell me how altering your immune system with aluminum, formaldehyde, thimerisol, etc. is making you healthy. We would never drink these things (and the digestive system is better eqiupped to deal with them), yet we allow doctors to inject them into our bodies. Makes no sense to me. Injecting toxins permanently alters your immune system and does force it to cope (not necessarily how the scientists hope to convince you), to work in a way which was not intended by nature.

The increase in asthma, allergies, autism, developmental delays and disorders, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, etc is coming from somewhere. Some of my research leads me to think it is from overloading our bodies with poison and compromising their immune systems.

The flu shot is literally a shot in the dark. There is no way to guarantee that it will be effective with the current flu strains. It is a guess. I do not understand why you would take the risk.

FYI, thimerisol is in vaccinations and not listed in the ingredient list. If it is under a certain percentage, it does not have to be on the list. Scary.

For the RN or anyone else who is interested, check the VAERS website. Here you will find a list of reported vaccination injuries. You can even read lots of contradictory information on the CDC website. And please, take what your pHARMaceutical reps say with a grain of salt. A pound of salt. They are coming to your hospital or doc's office to make money-not to help people.

Of course, it is every parent's choice. These are the choices that my family has made with lots of research (as well as broken relationships-my brother is a doc and refuses to speak to me because of my choices). I may not understand your choice, but please respect mine as I do respect your choices since they are your children.