Flu Shot

I have not gotten flu shots for my three kids since they were infants (don't flame me for it). My Pediatrician has never pushed it and knock on wood we have never had it. I also have never in my life had it and neither has DH.

Now that the kids are school age (6 and 4), I am wondering if it's a better idea to get it. They are all fully vaccinated, but I'm wondering if we should add the flu shot now.

Re: Flu Shot

For our family, DW and I had the flu once many years ago, before we started getting the shots. We will do whatever we can to try and prevent DC from getting it, or at least lessening the symptoms. The flu is something I never want to experience ever again. We always get vaccinated every year now.

Flu Shot

When I was younger I had a horrible reaction every year that I received it so I stopped. When DD was one I had the dr give it to her. She had a bad site reaction as well as other issues from it. she has never received it again (she is 13 now). DS was a preemie, and he DID receive it last year and had no reaction, so he will be getting it again this year. DH never got it as a kid, did once a few years ago and hasn't since. With him it depends on if the Dr suggests it when he's there.

Re: Flu Shot

I am a big delayer of vaccines-- my kids have never gotten more than 1 shot at a time.... I have delayed MMR and chicken pox till age 3 for both of them... etc. However, I've always gotten them a thimerosol-free flu shot each year.

The way I see it, even though the flu is not a life-or-death illness in most cases, I feel like I'm sparing my children (and the whole household) from a week or so of total misery, missed school, etc.

Re: Flu Shot

My kids always get it every year. I think it's the best for them since they are in school. I'm late this year but they will be getting it this coming Sunday.

Re: Flu Shot

DD, now 5, DH and I get the shot every year.

I've had influenza, once. That was enough for me. It is more than a rough week of being sick. Between the cough and the high fever I can see how it kills people. It took me a week to be able to get out of bed, a total of 4 weeks to be back feeling better and to almost 6 weeks until I had my full energy back.

Whether it is getting the shot or doing other things like regimented hand washing, getting enough sleep, eating and living healthy I urge you to take whatever steps you see fit to avoid getting the flu.

Re: Flu Shot

Yes. One year my oldest missed the vaccination because I took my other two while he was at an activity and I never got around to scheduling him. Sure enough, that year he got the flu and then I got it from him.

It was terrible enough that I won't make that mistake again!

Re: Flu Shot

My kids have been getting the flu shot since the pediatrician gave the go ahead (I think that it fell out for both when they were a year old). I always get it too as well as DH. I had the flu one time in my life and it was awful!

Flu Shot

I'm asthmatic and though it's been well controlled for the past several years I've had enough scares where I won't take a chance on anything. And since it's got a hereditary element I have always made sure DD has gotten it. At this point I have a feeling she won't have asthma but so many kids at school have already been sick that I will continue to get it for her.

Re: Flu Shot

Re: Flu Shot

Thanks everyone. I am going to make an appointment to get everyone the shot.

Flu Shot

5 year old has asthma...we always get flu shot
as long as i am doing it for him...i do it for her also

Re: Flu Shot

We all get it.

Re: Flu Shot

we are definitely getting it this year.
last year we didn't do it ('cause kids were sick and it was hard to get into the ped) and they BOTH got the flu... it was soooo horrible.

Flu Shot

Definitely not getting it - for any of us. DS got it once or twice (he's seven now) and since then I haven't seen the need to expose him to a vaccine that is not required for school. I've had the flu once and it was awful, but I don't think it outweighs the risk. Neither DH nor I have ever gotten the vaccine.

Re: Flu Shot

well...for DD and I we both get it, but that is because we both have asthma and I dont want to take the risk. If we didnt have asthma, I may pass on it.

Re: Flu Shot

No longer, we have latex allergies.