Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

I've had the flu twice so I started getting the shot after the last time and made sure to get it during my pregnancy.

DH has never had the flu but got the shot last year and hopefully will get one this year.

DS was too young last year but got his first shot last month and will get the second in another week. He goes to daycare and based on the number of colds he brings home on average we decided that he should have the shot.


It's a personal choice and one that you have to be comfortable with. I am comfortable with our decision for our son but respect that people will decide against it for their own children - including those children in my son's daycare class.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

I would NEVER not give my dd the shot. the benefits outweigh the risks, IMHO

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

It is a personal choice .

I will always give my child the flu shot because the side effect of the flu in a child is risk of a certain pneumonia that can be fatal.

Message edited 10/14/2008 9:03:18 AM.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Posted by Diane

Posted by Ang-Rich



It's a personal choice and one that you have to be comfortable with. I am comfortable with our decision for our son but respect that people will decide against it for their own children - including those children in my son's daycare class.

Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

May I make a suggestion? In a recent discussion with Barb she brought up a good point and I thought it could be something helpful for you.

Maybe in your discussion with the pediatrician you could have him discuss - in length what happens if your child gets the flu...what is it that effects a child so much that a doctor would advocate for the shot (since you said your doc is in favor as msot probably are) because maybe it's something that you are comfortable dealing with on your own without the shot...I hope that makes sense. I feel like if you are prepared to deal with the what-ifs it might help your decision one way or the other.

I hope this doesn't come across as pushing for the shot...totally not because if the main concern is something like dehydration then you can decide if that is something you can manage and you might feel that it's not worth a shot - that you can have a plan in place to help him if he does by chance get the flu.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Posted by Diane

Posted by Ang-Rich



It's a personal choice and one that you have to be comfortable with. I am comfortable with our decision for our son but respect that people will decide against it for their own children - including those children in my son's daycare class.

Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

We opted to have DS get one at 15 mos since he is in daycare and has been so prone to getting sick in the past. We figure anything we can do to help him out is what we should do.

ETA: We opted to not give DS the shot last year because, at 6 mos, we felt he was too young.

Message edited 10/14/2008 2:17:16 PM.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

i have gotten one since i was ten years old b/c i have type 1 diabetes and I have never gotten the flu. My DS is 8months old and he just got one. I feel comfortable giving him the flu shot b/c of my experience taking them for the last 24 years, but I can understand how people are apprehensive.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

I never got the shot until last year and I've had the flu a few times over the years. It is serious stuff, even for a healthy adult. Not trying to sway you, just describing my experience with it.

We are all getting shots this year. I've decided that the benefits outweigh the risks for DS and while he's not in daycare, I bring him to playgroups and some programs with other kids, so it would still be easy for him to catch it.

That's MO though, talk to your doctor and decide what is best for you and your family.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Posted by Diane


Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Rylan has his at his 6 month visit. we will be flying at the end of the month so I thought it was a good idea.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Posted by Diane

Posted by Ang-Rich



It's a personal choice and one that you have to be comfortable with. I am comfortable with our decision for our son but respect that people will decide against it for their own children - including those children in my son's daycare class.

Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Posted by lastchance1222

Posted by Diane

Posted by Ang-Rich



It's a personal choice and one that you have to be comfortable with. I am comfortable with our decision for our son but respect that people will decide against it for their own children - including those children in my son's daycare class.

Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

what anyone decides to do is their choice-the only no brainer is EVERYONE should look up every shot-every time every ingredient..and it depends.
some kids are allergic to eggs, there are other issues..
Diane do not feel like you have to justify yourself to anyone.
I have had people tell me they wouldn't want me kid sitting next to theres simply because I space or pick and choose.
My reasoning?
then don't sit next to me or my kids...
I won't lose a ounce sleep.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

i never got one and never will n im around my nieces and nephews but i barely get sick.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Posted by Mikismom

Posted by lastchance1222

Posted by Diane

Posted by Ang-Rich



It's a personal choice and one that you have to be comfortable with. I am comfortable with our decision for our son but respect that people will decide against it for their own children - including those children in my son's daycare class.

Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

what anyone decides to do is their choice-the only no brainer is EVERYONE should look up every shot-every time every ingredient..and it depends.
some kids are allergic to eggs, there are other issues..
Diane do not feel like you have to justify yourself to anyone.
I have had people tell me they wouldn't want me kid sitting next to theres simply because I space or pick and choose.
My reasoning?
then don't sit next to me or my kids...
I won't lose a ounce sleep.

No one is asking anyone to justify themselves. For some the shot is a no brainer, for others it is not. It takes all kinds.....

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

I have never had one and never had the flu. I really don't want DS to get it. he didn't get it last year, and I am going to ask them not to give it this year.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

I never got one til I had Abby. The pediatrician suggested it for me. I work in a school/clinical facility. When I go back to work, I will be exposed to G-d knows what and if I can pass on a cold to DH who is a sturdy guy, imagine what I could pass on to a baby.

Message edited 10/14/2008 5:06:29 PM.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?

Posted by lastchance1222

Posted by Mikismom

Posted by lastchance1222

Posted by Diane

Posted by Ang-Rich



It's a personal choice and one that you have to be comfortable with. I am comfortable with our decision for our son but respect that people will decide against it for their own children - including those children in my son's daycare class.

Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

what anyone decides to do is their choice-the only no brainer is EVERYONE should look up every shot-every time every ingredient..and it depends.
some kids are allergic to eggs, there are other issues..
Diane do not feel like you have to justify yourself to anyone.
I have had people tell me they wouldn't want me kid sitting next to theres simply because I space or pick and choose.
My reasoning?
then don't sit next to me or my kids...
I won't lose a ounce sleep.

No one is asking anyone to justify themselves. For some the shot is a no brainer, for others it is not. It takes all kinds.....

thats not what I meant...I meant she shouldn't feel like she has to say there are reasons she does not give it.
Some believe some do not, some give it because they have no choice and some have a choice...thats all.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine? Updated

Posted by jprimrose

I am so confused. My DS has his 12 month appointment tomorrow and I know I am going to delay the MMR shot until 18 months, but I am not sure what to do about the flu shot.

I have read both the pros and cons and see good points on both sides. Last winter my DS was not eligible to get a flu shot and my DH and I did not get one either. I have never had one. Well. when my DS was 3.5 months old my DH came down with the worst flu. He actually stayed at his mom's house for a few days so not to infect our DS. I am expecting baby #2 in 2 weeks and part of me thinks we should all get vaccinated to protect ourselves and the baby. Also, my DH teaches middle school students so he is exposed to many germs during the winter. Then I read all of these negative affects about it and I question it. HELP!!!

I would love to hear your opinions both positive and negative.

Update: Thanks for all your responses. So today I went to the Ped and he really did not push the shot on me. He just said just because your DS gets it does not mean he will not get the flu. He said it is basically a crap shoot. This I knew prior to the visit. He said and I remember last years flu shot did not match the strand of flu people were getting. The year before that it did. In the end we finally decided to give it to our DS because there will be a newborn baby in the house in 10 days and we figure we should probably all get one this year. I have never had one. I am telling you parents just have so much to worry about. I feel like I am always questioning everything. Hopefully I made the right decision.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine? Updated

i got the flu shot once...i was sick the whole winter in the ER 3 times waiting to see a doctor.
I personally will never get another flu shot...I am still undecided whether or not DD will get one.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine? Updated

Posted by CrankyPants

Posted by jprimrose

I am so confused. My DS has his 12 month appointment tomorrow and I know I am going to delay the MMR shot until 18 months, but I am not sure what to do about the flu shot.

I have read both the pros and cons and see good points on both sides. Last winter my DS was not eligible to get a flu shot and my DH and I did not get one either. I have never had one. Well. when my DS was 3.5 months old my DH came down with the worst flu. He actually stayed at his mom's house for a few days so not to infect our DS. I am expecting baby #2 in 2 weeks and part of me thinks we should all get vaccinated to protect ourselves and the baby. Also, my DH teaches middle school students so he is exposed to many germs during the winter. Then I read all of these negative affects about it and I question it. HELP!!!

I would love to hear your opinions both positive and negative.

Update: Thanks for all your responses. So today I went to the Ped and he really did not push the shot on me. He just said just because your DS gets it does not mean he will not get the flu. He said it is basically a crap shoot. This I knew prior to the visit. He said and I remember last years flu shot did not match the strand of flu people were getting. The year before that it did. In the end we finally decided to give it to our DS because there will be a newborn baby in the house in 10 days and we figure we should probably all get one this year. I have never had one. I am telling you parents just have so much to worry about. I feel like I am always questioning everything. Hopefully I made the right decision.

An informed decision made by a caring and loveing parent IS the right decision. You made the best decision with all the information you have available ot you. No matter which way it played out, it would have been the right decision.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine? Updated

Posted by CrankyPants

Posted by Diane


Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

I don't know if this is in reference to me-but I used the term "no brainer" in regards to me and my husband getting the shot. And it is a no brainer for us-as I said, if it gives DD even a little more protection then I will get it as I am not concerned about side effects to me or DH-our weathered old bodies can handle it. I am concerned about side effects or risk of getting the shot for DD. That is NOT a no brainer for me. I am still considering this. In any case-we all need to make the best decisions for ourselves. I respect that a "no brainer" for us is not necessarily a no brainer for another family.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine? Updated

Posted by jprimrose



Update: Thanks for all your responses. So today I went to the Ped and he really did not push the shot on me. He just said just because your DS gets it does not mean he will not get the flu. He said it is basically a crap shoot. This I knew prior to the visit. He said and I remember last years flu shot did not match the strand of flu people were getting. The year before that it did. In the end we finally decided to give it to our DS because there will be a newborn baby in the house in 10 days and we figure we should probably all get one this year. I have never had one. I am telling you parents just have so much to worry about. I feel like I am always questioning everything. Hopefully I made the right decision.

Re: What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine? Updated

Posted by Diane

Posted by CrankyPants

Posted by Diane


Thank you for saying this. Im tired of people posting about this and then saying Im getting it because it is a "no Brainer". I have MY personal reasons why I am NOT giving it to my boys, and I personally dont believe in them

I don't know if this is in reference to me-but I used the term "no brainer" in regards to me and my husband getting the shot. And it is a no brainer for us-as I said, if it gives DD even a little more protection then I will get it as I am not concerned about side effects to me or DH-our weathered old bodies can handle it. I am concerned about side effects or risk of getting the shot for DD. That is NOT a no brainer for me. I am still considering this. In any case-we all need to make the best decisions for ourselves. I respect that a "no brainer" for us is not necessarily a no brainer for another family.

no, it was NOT a reference towards you at all. This post just keeps coming up, people have made this reference over and over again, and I feel like it is an attack on us people who opt NOT to get it. Not trying to start anything....maybe just a misunderstanding.