Flu shot

Posted: Mon, Oct 25 2010, 8:19 pm Post subject: flu shot

I would like some opinions from out there. My doctor strongly recommends giving flu shots. The problem is with 2 of my kids. They cant get the mist bec. they have asthma. They completely freak out from the shots. One is almost 13, and big and strong. In the past, . theyve run out of the office or locked themselves in the bathroom. We've had to hold them down, kicking and screaming. You get the picture. I'm just wondering, should I put them (and myself) through this or just forget the vaccine?

Diamond Member Joined: Nov 11 2007 Posts: 3789

IF you think something is valuable to your child's heath, then you shouldn't skip it just because he doesn't like/want it and it's difficult for you.

That said, I would never take a flu shot or give it to my kids. I think it's completely worthless, even dangerous.... but I do realize that you didn't post this in the natural parenting section so I'll leave it at that.

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Posted: Tue, Oct 26 2010, 5:33 am Post subject:

I totally agree with bubby, I wish that I could get it where I live and my kids could aswell but they dont offer it here to everyone. only those who are health risks.

Posted: Tue, Oct 26 2010, 8:38 am Post subject: Re: re: flu shot

Posted: Tue, Oct 26 2010, 8:43 am Post subject: re: flu shot

My dh and my dd and my parents get it every year. I stopped getting it because now they include H1N1 in it and you need to not become pregnant for 3 weeks after it (well you don't NEED but it's kinda recommended and I'm paranoid). I also didn't get the "pure" H1N1 for the same reason, run away from me! lol
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Diamond Member Joined: Feb 02 2006 Posts: 4767

I didnt get it last year and got hit REALLY BAD.

The doctor scolded me big time for not getting a flu shot.
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Gold Member Joined: May 19 2006 Posts: 1682

I think specifically because your kids have asthma that they should get it. the flu, specifically H1N1 (which is included in this years seasonal shot) can be very dangerous for someone with respiratory illnesses.

that said, I was EXACTLY like your kids when it comes to shots and even remember being held down by several nurses...but I turned out okay Smile

. also, my kid is like me and althought its a major hassle, its gotta get done.

Platinum Member Joined: Jan 01 2006 Posts: 48152

Interesting that that is in Manners and Etiquette. There were times I had dh take the kids for shots.

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 12 2009 Posts: 13185

Hatzlacha.
But a side issue: you need to resolve this, especially with your older one.
When I would take a few kids for shots at a time, the older ones would go first. They handled it well, which reassured the younger ones.
My son, when he was 6, needed frequent bloodwork for something that may have been a precursor to a later condition. When he was 6, the first time or two it took a few people to hold him down. Once this thing developed at 12, no big deal, the needle.
I'm not sure at what age between 6 and 12 I'd consider the tipping point (and with the 6 year old, there was also the bewilderment over the aches and pains to add to the trauma) but I think he's past it.

I was tempted to go anon, trying to rephrase this in a way that would be encouraging, not potentially offensive. Hope I didn't cross the line.

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Active Poster Joined: Aug 15 2010 Posts: 76

thank you for all your thoughts and input.
Putting this in the manners and etiquette section was actually a mistake.
It seems to me that there is a real split of opinion if the flu shot should be taken or not.
I know my dr. will say to give this shot no matter how the child reacts. I am also not a mother who simply gives in to my child bec. something doesn't feel good or right by them. In this case, bec. there is a conflict about the shot I just don't know what to do. My husband actually says I should not do it bec. of what it involves in my situation. The only way I could do it is if my husband comes along for more "manpower". If I insisted, my husband would come, however I think I would have to push him to bec. right now he Doesn't see it as imperative

Diamond Member Joined: Sep 02 2007 Posts: 2715

Posted: Wed, Oct 27 2010, 8:05 am Post subject: re: flu shot

Yeah, I don't think this is the place to discuss the need for the flu shot. Let's assume it's a reasoned decision; I have one child in my family who gets the shot because he has an autoimmune condition himself.

Posted: Wed, Oct 27 2010, 8:24 am Post subject: re: flu shot

My doctor, whom I trust and who doesn't always recommend every medical thing out there, advised us to have all our kids vaccinated. We took the younger kids, and the older ones will have to decide for themselves, after being informed.

The mist was more invasive than the shot, actually - it went all the way up both nostrils and the kids tasted it in their mouths afterward. The kids who got a needle were fine with it.

Pregnant women are supposed to get vaccinated. I did not hear not to become pregnant after it.

Kids with asthma may not be able to get the mist, only the shot - I'm not sure. I know I was asked before my kids got misted if they had asthma. The mist contains a weaked live virus, and the shot contains a killed virus.

This year the vaccine is against HINI and two other flu strains that are expected to be most "popular". The problem last year was that the vaccine did not contain anything against HINI - I don't know why they didn't know it was coming.

Platinum Member Joined: Jan 23 2008 Posts: 9074

Well, I took the flu shot yesterday. I was very brave, but I didn't get a sticker or a Snoopy bandaid. Sad

Posted: Wed, Oct 27 2010, 8:40 am Post subject: Re: re: flu shot

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