UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

I know a lot of moms are against the flu shot, but I am for it. That said, at DDs 9 month check up, we didn't get the flu shot because we were leaving for vacation later that day and I didn't want to be away in case she had any reaction. They said that was fine, and to call when we got back. But shortly after getting back, DD got croup and we had to wait. She's now better and able to get it, but I just called to see if I can bring her in tomorow to get it, but they said they are out! They said I could call again in the middle of the month. What has me really upset is she is supposed to start daycare on wednesday and i dont want her starting without the flu shot. I am so upset and i really dont know what to do know


UPDATE with WWYD question
So, I tried everywhere and couldn't find a place that would give her the shot. I called my ped back and spoke to the doc to say I was upset because they really should have told me there was a chance they would have run out, because I would have given her the shot the day of her 9month check up if that was the case. So, it turns out they do have a flu shot they can give her now, but it has a trace amount of the thimerosal and the thimerosal-free version should be coming in a few weeks. DD is supposed to start daycare Weds and I wanted her to have the shot before she started. The doc recommended we give her the shot with the thimerosal and said it was a very small amount. I asked how it compared to the level of mercury in a tuna sandwich, and he said it's probably even less. So, WWYD- 1)give her the shot with thimerosal? 2) let her start daycare without the shot, and wait until the preservative-free shot comes in (who really knows when, but supposedly a few weeks) or 3) delay daycare until the thimerosal-free shot comes in? [background on daycare--my parents watch her full time right now, and really need a break. we have been looking for a nanny to relieve them on a part time basis for months, but werent able to find one, so she was supposed to start daycare this weds, 2 days a week, half days only.]

Message edited 9/28/2009 3:38:51 PM.

Re: upset-flu shot related

What about one of the flu clinics at CVS or something like that?

Re: upset-flu shot related

I'm having FH ask her doc if there is anywhere else we can take her, but places that aren't doctors' offices make me nervous, especially because she is so young. I don't know if another doctor's office will see her just for a flu shot.

Re: upset-flu shot related

Try calling walgreens they have a flu clinic and I hear they offer the Preservative free version. I'm not sure about what age they will offer it to though. You could call. They are all participating and you don't need an appt but it is quicker with one - they give them everyday (the pharmacist is the one administering it when we went).

Keep in mind that they need 2 shots the 1st time they get a flu shot (30 days apart) and that they don't have immunity until they get both shots (the ped says it takes 2 weeks after the single shot to get immunity - not sure how long for the 1st year if they need 2.

Re: upset-flu shot related

Re: upset-flu shot related

my peds office is out of it everytime I call also.

Re: upset-flu shot related

My DC are supposed to get their second round next week and I am worried they won't have them b/c of the posts on here saying their peds are out of it!

Re: upset-flu shot related

I understand you are upset. But if you are worrying about your DD contracting the flu in daycare, keep in mind the regular flu virus (not swine) generally does not surface here until about Dec/Jan. Normally flu shots were never even given in Sept, usually starting Oct. So I would not panic if that is your concern.

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

BUMP- because I updated and added a question.

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

hmmm I'm in favor of the flu shot - but I think I would wait until the Preservative free one comes in. As far as daycare - keep in mind that it takes 2 shots the 1st year to get immunity - and the ped said it takes 2 weeks for it to really work - so even if you get it tomorrow she would still not have full immunity for 2 months (since this is the second year she can get it). The other catch is that even if she DOES get it - it doesn't cover every strain so she is vulnerable anyway. It is still early for flu season though - I think it doesn't get up and swinging until Nov or later.

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

I WOULD NOT GIVE THE ONE WITH MECURY. No way. Not even an option.
I dont care how little is in there.

Keeping in mind, again, that the regular flu likely isn't going to hit here until about Dec/Jan. So either wait for the mercury free one and send her to daycare...or your parents will have to watch her for another whole mth at least (by the time they get the shot in, by the time her immunity kicks in, etc). ALso keep in mind she needs 2 shots so she won't be fully protected for at least 2 mths anyway.

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

honestly ~ I would wait until the mercury free shot became available! good luck with your decision!!!

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

I honestly didnt even ask if the vaccine my kids got was preservative free. So for ME, I would just get it.

BUT, if you want to wait, its still pretty early in the flu season.

Regardless, I probably wouldnt delay daycare.

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

what's thimerosal?

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

Posted by Michelle1123

I honestly didnt even ask if the vaccine my kids got was preservative free. So for ME, I would just get it.

BUT, if you want to wait, its still pretty early in the flu season.

Regardless, I probably wouldnt delay daycare.

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

Posted by Charly

Posted by Michelle1123

I honestly didnt even ask if the vaccine my kids got was preservative free. So for ME, I would just get it.

BUT, if you want to wait, its still pretty early in the flu season.

Regardless, I probably wouldnt delay daycare.

I didn't ask either - I always assume my ped wouldn't give my DC something that would hurt them.

Re: UPDATE with a WWYD--upset-flu shot related

I always give my children the flu shot- NOT the swine flu but the regular one. They were in daycare and honestly, with Jason if he got a flu it would have meant the hospital for him. So we had to protect them.