Should I get flu shot for DD4

[kailuagirl]

We leave Thursday morning and I was going to do it earlier, but she got was sick 2 weeks ago. What do you think, is it too late to get her a flu shot that would help with anything? I have an appt. today but now I'm wondering what to do.

Thanks!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Since you want to get her the shot anyway, I would keep the appointment. Any side effects only last one or two days so she should be fine by the time you leave. It takes about two weeks to build immunity, so it probably won't do her much good for the trip. However, I think it's best to get the shot now to head off the flu later in the winter.

 

[Mabel67]

I wouldn't. There may occasionally be side effects to the flu shot, particularily in children. These can include fever, rash, soreness at injection site, pain in arm and allergic responses. These can last up to 48 hours. I would hate for her to feel any of this discomfort while at DL...not to mention that should she have a rare, more serious reaction, you may need to seek further medical attention in a strange area...not a fun holiday. The chances of a bad reaction are small, but even a small amount of discomfort could be enough to upset a small child.

If she is already harboring a flu, the shot won't minimize that virus already in her system. Plus the flu shot isn't immediately effective, either, so it may not protect her while you're there.

What does your health care expert (doctor or public health nurse, etc) think? They may have a different opinion, especially if she has any other pre-existing health problems that would make getting the shot advisable.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would ask her physician, everyone has their own oppinions and what I have seen most are not fact based.

Jack

 

[Mabel67]

From the CDC:

Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect)
Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV.
The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
Fever (low grade)
Aches
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

Reactions are rare, but I wouldn't want to risk it in DL.
JMHO

 

[kailuagirl]

Sorry mabel67, I didn't mean to ask an inappropriate DL forum question. I know this is for DL questions, but I figured since we are leaving for Disneyland on Thursday, other parents might have gone through the same thing as us regarding their upcoming DL trip. I am regardless, still taking my DD to the doctor. I would never only seek medical advice via a forum, ever.

I have been on this board for awhile now, and consider everyone friends, even though we have never met, and I value the opinions here, and didn't mean to ask an inappropriate question. Sorry ...

 

[Mabel67]

Sorry mabel67, I didn't mean to ask an inappropriate DL forum question. I know this is for DL questions, but I figured since we are leaving for Disneyland on Thursday, other parents might have gone through the same thing as us regarding their upcoming DL trip. I am regardless, still taking my DD to the doctor. I would never only seek medical advice via a forum, ever.

I have been on this board for awhile now, and consider everyone friends, even though we have never met, and I value the opinions here, and didn't mean to ask an inappropriate question. Sorry ...

Oh gosh, I didn't mean that! I was just meaning that you shouldn't take any advice here and then cancel your appt tomorrow..

It does take about 2 weeks to be effective, and the risk of a reaction, while rare, is still there. I wouldn't do it, but I don't know what other underlying conditions, if any, your child has. I firmly believe in educating yourself ahead of time, even with anecdotal evidence such as you would get here...that way you can have a better handle on questions to ask your dr tomorrow.

Sorry if my reply was curt....the link was meant to be informative...not snotty. D'oh.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Sorry mabel67, I didn't mean to ask an inappropriate DL forum question. I know this is for DL questions, but I figured since we are leaving for Disneyland on Thursday, other parents might have gone through the same thing as us regarding their upcoming DL trip. I am regardless, still taking my DD to the doctor. I would never only seek medical advice via a forum, ever.

I have been on this board for awhile now, and consider everyone friends, even though we have never met, and I value the opinions here, and didn't mean to ask an inappropriate question. Sorry ...

And 90% of us get along just fine. I am always surprized at many of the posts that are put here but we are virtual friends. Trust me, if people can put up with me they can put up with anyone.

Jack