WWYD - Flu Shot for DDs?

[mickeyboat]

I am pro-vaccine but no one in our family has ever gotten flu shots before. We are not in a high-risk health or profession category. DDs both had a flu in first grade and missed 5 days of school, but recovered without incident.

We watch a lot of news at our house and DD10 has decided she would like to get a flu shot - both for the seasonal and H1N1 flu strains. There is a free flu shot clinic at our local hospital this weekend, and I intend to bring her. I will probably get a shot while I am there. I am pretty proud of DD10 for taking responsibility for her own health and for understanding that sometimes we have to do uncomfortable things to keep ourselves healthy. No one in our family has ever had a bad reaction to a vaccination.

My question is about DD9. She doesn't want to get a flu shot. While I would like for her to get one and would like her to learn the same lesson about being responsible for her health, I am not inclined to force her to get one.

I don't have a problem forcing my kids to do things they don't like (it's my job ). But I don't think I would even be considering the flu shot if DD10 hadn't asked for one.

Would you force DD9 to have a flu shot?

 

[lovetoscrap]

That is really just a very personal decision that you have to make on your own. And everyone else will use their own personal beliefs and experiences to make their decisions.

Would I force DD9 to get one? Yes. I have a DD9 and I do force her to get one. That is becuase of our experiences with the flu and my beliefs about vaccinations, and my parenting style. Actually it really isn't being "forced" upon her, it is just a part of our overall health management and the kids know it happens every fall. It is the same as dental cleanings, routine check ups, sick check ups and scheduled vaccinations. We may not like it but it has to happen.

I have lots of friends and family that never get flu shots and never intend to. That is their choice and I would never try to influence them any differently.

You have to weigh the risks and the benefits and decide what you feel is right for your children.

 

[paintnolish]

My kids have always gotten the shot, but last year they got the mist. We had no ill effects at all. The only effect we had was a positive one- no crying! have you considered the mist? I still get the shot, since it is free for me as a student.

 

[FireDancer]

I think as the parent you have to do what you feel is best. There are people both pro and against vaccination. I am the later and would neither get one myself nor give my kids one. I have a great immune system, which I take a lot of time and effort keeping that way, and don't mind catching something from time to time. I personally think part of why we are so effected by this stuff is because we try to cheat nature with vaccines. I would not, however, dictate to a parent what is right for them or state that what I feel is what others should feel. I expect the same.

If my 9 year old wanted a flu shot I would discuss it with them and let them know why I decided not to give them one. In your situation it seems like you would have the opposite conversation. The one thing I would recommend is sitting down with your daughter and finding out why she doesn't want the vaccination. If it is for legitimate reasons she doesn't feel that the H1N1 vaccine has been tested enough or she is worried about the mercury level in vaccines I would say honor her request. If the decision is based on something ultimately irrelevant like she just doesn't like needles I would go with your instinct and get her one. In the end it is up to you, not me, but this is the course of action I would take.

 

[GoodFairies]

I think if you are allowing the 10 year old to make a decision about her health you should extend the same courtesy to the 9 year old, since you have never gotten them before. If I remember correctly they are not even a year apart so it's not a case of a 5 year old vs. a 10 year old.

 

[CrystalSnow]

Well, my opinion is obviously biased by my own experiences as a mother of an immunosuppressed child...but since you give all other vaccines I would say to have them get the flu vaccines as well. The flu vaccines seem to be viewed differently than other vaccines, but there is still the issue of herd immunity and the larger community. Anyone who contracts the flu will most likely pass it on before they know they have it, and that could be to a baby who can't get the vaccine or an immunocompromised person who may not be able to get a vaccine, or may not be able to hold immunity.

Just thought I would throw that out there as another perspective that isn't always thought of. Good luck with your decision!

 

[mickeyboat]

I think if you are allowing the 10 year old to make a decision about her health you should extend the same courtesy to the 9 year old, since you have never gotten them before. If I remember correctly they are not even a year apart so it's not a case of a 5 year old vs. a 10 year old.

This is my train of thought. But more often than not there are going to be situations where she will not have the choice, and I want her to understand that, too.

And yes, they are less than a year apart, and in the same grade in school. Good memory!

ETA - what I have told her for the moment is that if her pediatrician recommends them, she will have to have one whether she wants to or not.

 

[luvmy3]

Well since none of my kids want to get the flu shot (or any other for that matter) and I make them, I guess I am forcing them
My ds has asthma so all people in are household are recommended to have the flu shot. There was a time when I thought if he didn't have asthma none of us would get it, until dd had the flu last June. After seeing how sick she was, I have no problem witth the fact that I'm forcing them.

 

[GoodFairies]

This is my train of thought. But more often than not there are going to be situations where she will not have the choice, and I want her to understand that, too.

And yes, they are less than a year apart, and in the same grade in school. Good memory!

ETA - what I have told her for the moment is that if her pediatrician recommends them, she will have to have one whether she wants to or not.

I think that is a good approach. It removes potential resentment of "I have to get a flu shot because of my sister."

 

[EthansMom]

The American Association of Pediatricians and the CDC are both recommending that ALL children 6 mos. to 18 years old get the flu vaccine. Not only does it help keep that individual child safe and healthy, but it prevents the spread of flu viruses to others (if a vaccinated child doesn't contract the flu, he/she can't spread it on to others).

My kids both hate getting shots. They will be getting it anyway. (Note: Both of my kids are in the "high risk" category since they have asthma but I would have my kids get the flu shot even if they were healthy.)

DH and I also get flu shots each fall. DH's employer offers them for free in order to keep employees from missing work and/or spreading illness at work. I get the shot because as if/when I get sick everything goes to heck at our house.