Flu shot?

Megan - posted on 12/03/2008

My little one went to her six month check up yesterday, and has had a bit of a cold but no fever, so the doctor wanted to go ahead and giver her her vaccinations, including the flu shot, I wasnt too big on the idea, I am a nurse and I have never myself taken a flu shot, so far so good. But i went ahead and let them give it to her, now she's fussy and has had a low grade fever and i didnt go to work today, I'm kind of wishing i wouldnt have let them, guess i will find out when she either does or doesnt get the flu, huh? But they want her to go back in a month for a booster...

Suzanne - posted on 12/01/2008

And, the person who posted that first time babies for the flu shot are given a double dose, is correct. It is not a half dose each time. And yes, it's free for babies because of their risk to become seriously ill or die from flu and related complications.

Suzanne - posted on 12/01/2008

Although this is a personal decision and some people have very strong opinions both ways, I think if you're in the process of still forming your own opinion, you should consider the relevance of flu shots and immunizations from a public health perspective. The more people who are immunized against certain diseases/illnesses, the LESS likely there is to be a major outbreak. So, those of us who are willing to get vaccinated and able to tolerate it (ie/ no allergic reactions), are really contributing to the increased health of everyone. On the flip side, with the increase in parents becoming fearful of immunizations, due mostly to false data and speculation, there has been an increase in some diseases that were previously eradicated. For example, measles and mumps. Outbreaks of such diseases can be very dangerous to little one's who aren't immune and we have had such outbreaks in Canada in recent years. Public health professionals attribute these recent outbreaks to more parents declining the immunizations for their children. One other piece of science - your baby is more likely to have serious health complications from contracting the flu than they are from getting the shot. Just another perspective and food for thought for all.

Renee - posted on 11/30/2008

My ped asked if we wanted to get a flu shot for my son at his 6 month check up as well. We did not get one due to him not being in day care as well as me being allergic to the flu shot. I found out I was allergic to it the hard way...getting a reaction that landed me in the hospital. I also got very sick after getting a flu shot, they said it wasn't the FLU, but a different strand if the flu. I have never been so sick in my life, and haven't been that sick since then either...

Corinne - posted on 11/22/2008

I agree ... I just take each shot as it comes up. So far I haven't had too big an issue with the nurses or doctors, but they are aware of my reactions and my husband's allergies. My daughter hasn't been sick yet and other kids are sick all the time. They get all their shots.

Kenda - posted on 11/22/2008

I have a little boy who is 6 months old. When it came time to make the decision on all the shots...we decided NOT to get any at all. Our son was sick for the very first time a couple of weeks ago...it was for a very short period and it was just a little cold. He has never had a fever or an ear ache and we take him everywhere and do everything with him. Shots scare me WAY too much...i believe it is too much to put into a little body such as a babys. This is a very touchy subject...and everyone has their opinons and this is mine!

Sarah - posted on 11/22/2008

Corinne,
Thanks for your note about being picky. I've been talking to a couple moms and am learning about all the new vaccines out there. They've almost doubled the amount that I had when I was a baby. I am not against vaccines but I also wish I had been more choosy. I've also learned that just because a doctor says something is okay or the medical field, does not mean it is best.

Sarah - posted on 11/22/2008

I've been doing a bit of research and it actually is a double dose. Children under the age of 9 do get a smaller dose than older kids and adults but the first time your baby or child gets the shot, they do give a double dose not just half. The reason is to build up immunity within the body.

Erin - posted on 11/20/2008

No ,its half the dose then the other half, not double. And they give it in 2 parts so that it is safer for your little one.

Corinne - posted on 11/20/2008

It totally depends on you and your baby. I find it odd they'd want to double dose ... does that sound strange to anyone else?

Corinne - posted on 11/20/2008

I'm sure it's definitely got it's ups ... but I have to point out that there is more than one flu vaccine. Plus in my family we have all had severe reactions (including paralysis) to vaccines. It wasn't the actual vaccine, but the binding ... sometimes they use latex or egg whites. Latex allergies are high in my family. I believe in vaccinations, just not all of them.

Erin - posted on 11/20/2008

Oh and we're fine.. half dose now for Chloe and half in a month.

Erin - posted on 11/20/2008

I just got ours today... But for me its if I can prevent either of us getting sick then I will... If it were really dangerous, they wouldnt be giving them out free to the young and old (free in canada that its!).

Sarah - posted on 11/20/2008

I feel like if they were BAD for you, the majority of Doctors would not recommend them!

Sarah - posted on 11/20/2008

they don't give babies a double dose, according to my doctor, they give small children a half dose and a month later the other half. Scarlett had her 6 month check up on the 10th and got her flu shot along with the other 3 vaccines standard at 6 months. She never had a fever. I also got one along with my husband, we are all fine. My understanding is that you can't actually get sick from the flu shot, it's the dead virus. Chances are that the fever your Abby had was from a different vaccine... obviously I'm a believer! lol

Corinne - posted on 11/20/2008

I will not be getting my daughter her flu shot. I also have been very, very picky about which shots she DOES get. I started her at 3 months and have done a couple at a time. I hate how they pressure everybody. Really ticks me off. Just do your research and follow your heart. I want my baby protected ... but not completely dependent. It's a touchy issue with everyone I think.