Seasonal flu shots (needles vs. mist)

[cinmell]

How come you can't have the Flumist if you have used a nebulizer or inhaler in the past?

My daughter's pediatrician's office hasn't had the shots but has had the mist for the past few weeks. I asked for the mist but the receptionist said that the doctors will not give the mist/nose spray to children who have used an inhaler or nebulizer in the past.

My daughter hasn't used an inhaler in over 2 years and she hasn't used a nebulizer in 5 years. My pediatrician happened to be standing near the receptionist when I called so she asked (to double check) if we could get the mist and she said she would not give to my daughter. I'm just curious what the reasons are. We won't see the doctor for another couple of days so I'll just ask her when I see her out of curiosity. But until then, does anyone know the reasons?

 

[lovemygoofy]

The mist has live cultures of the flu in it. Even though your daughter seems to not need the inhaler and such she is still a high risk for infection due to respiratory issues.

 

[laurie31]

Also, the side effects of the mist are different from the shot. You can get sore throat, nasal congestion, etc.

I think even though she hasn't wheezed in several years, the risk is that she MIGHT have side effects which would make her sicker than someone who is not predisposed to wheezing.

 

[marciemi]

They did give it to my son who had moderate asthma until he started school (around 5). We kept an inhaler at the school for the next couple years (which, if he did ever use, was just an excuse to get out of class ). I know when he went away to camp for the first time at about 10, I sent one along but it came home sealed. He's 14 now and did circle the asthma question on the permission slip. When I said he hadn't used an inhaler in years, all they asked was "He's not wheezing now is he?" before giving him the mist.

 

[cinmell]

Thank you for the responses.

 

[C.Ann]

I sooooo wish my family could get the mist, but they can't.. So we sit here waiting and waiting and waiting for SHOTS - that are not arriving and probably won't arrive anytime soon..

 

[lovetoscrap]

We were at the Dr on Monday for a physical for DD13. She has asthma but hasn't had a problem in several years. The dr and I discussed what to do about the H1N1 because currently there are no shots available, only the mist here. It is going around our area. He felt that the benefits of her getting the protection was worth the risks of the mist for her so we went ahead with it. But in general it is not a good idea to give it to those with asthma.

I have had a terrible asthma flare up as recently as 2 weeks ago so there is no way I would risk the mist for myself, but sure wish the shots would get here quick!