WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

DS is now old enough to receive the flu shot. My ped recommends both the seasonal and H1N1, but I prefer not to do H1N1 at this time.

We couldn't give the seasonal @ DS' 6mo well visit on 1/23 because he had 3 other vaccines that day and the ped wouldn't add another to the list (nor would I) AND DS was a week shy of 6m. The next available appt for a seasonal flu shot was this coming Saturday - 2/20.

For 3 days after his 6m well vaccines/appt, DS was cranky, wasn't sleeping well, woke up crying his "ouch" cry, and THEN went on a solid foods hunger strike for 5 days.

- I don't know if I want to subject him to another vaccine right now.
- I don't know if the flu vac will even DO anything now that its late Feb.
- Of course, I called the ped to discuss the effectiveness if given late in the season and was just told, "Dr P recommends that every child receive the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines."
- I have to work 2/20 so DH would be taking DS on his own. (Not that it's a big deal - he's been home with him all week and they both survived.)
- DS' teeth are really bothering him so he's ALREADY not himself.

WWYD?

eta: He goes to a sitter when I'm @ work - she only has him and her granddaughter (10m older than DS) that lives with her. Neither of our kids go to school/daycare/playgroups like gymboree, etc.

DH and I both got flu shots in September.

Message edited 2/18/2010 8:00:02 AM.

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

Personally, I would do it. We gave DS the flu shot in Dec at his 6 month visit with one other vaccine. But I think (but I am not 100% certain) that flu season can run into April. I think it is best that you protect DS as much as possible. Especially, since DH can be exposed to the flu at work. JMO!

ETA: DS didn't have a reaction to the flu shot.

Message edited 2/18/2010 7:56:43 AM.

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

Where does he go while you're at work? Honestly, at this point, I might almost say skip it, presuming the season is drawing to a close. (Which I am not sure about- but the shot won't be effective immediately anyway, and won't he need 2 doses?)

Unless, of course, he's in a daycare with lots of kids. Then I would probably do it. But if not, I'd just skip it. And I am not anti-vaccine at all- DD got seasonal and H1N1- but back in the fall.

ETA again: forgot your DH is a teacher- though I have found that a lot of my kids got flu shots- there has been very little sickness among my kids.

Message edited 2/18/2010 7:57:30 AM.

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

I would skip it. Riley didn't get the H1N1 shot or the Flu shot. I felt every strong about her not getting those. She doesn't go to daycare. My parents watch her. Yes Dh is a teacher but we both got the flu shot. knock on wood she hasn't even gotten a cold or anything so far and she is 8 months.

I say pass Nic

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

IMO, if you are against the H1N1 vaccine, I'd probably skip the regular flu shot. The vast majority of flu cases right now are currently H1N1, so that is the one I'd be worried about, moreso than regular flu.

Usually the vast majority of flu cases are Dec, Jan, and Feb., but it seems to have peaked earlier this season. However, since H1N1 is the prominent strain this year, I've heard that it may peak again in the spring.

Since your DS is going to need 2 shots 30 days apart, you'll probably bypass the "regular flu" peak season, but I'd still be concerned about H1N1, so I don't really know if it'd be helping much, KWIM?

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

We got it for Will, and my mom watches him when I am at work. DH and I (and my mom) all got it for us. Turns out we ALL got the stomach flu, and I think we were a bit better than other family members because we had the shot. Will also got the stomach bug, but I think it was a lesser kind from having had the vaccination.

Anyway, I'd get it. I don't think Will had any reaction to it (but each time it was one of 3 shots). Just a little lethargic.

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

Not 100% sure what I'd do in your situation...probably wouldn't give it.

Can tell you 2 related things:

- my niece is 6.5 months; at her 6 month visit my sister declined both the regular and H1N1 shots b/c of the timing, being February already. She's a RN and is pro-vaccines, but she & doc felt it probably wasn't necessary since my niece is home with my sister & BIL all day.

- my DD got the first part of the H1N1 vaccine in early-January I think...had to wait 4 weeks for the booster. I still haven't taken her, she was sick for a bit, then I wondered if it was necessary at this point....still waiting & wondering.

ETA: I agree with above poster that IF I was giving anything at this point, it would be H1N1, not the seasonal flu shot, since that is the strain that's going around.

Message edited 2/18/2010 8:26:23 AM.

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

I didn't give the flu shots at DD's 6 month appt.. My doc wanted to give her 2 shots, a drink, and then the two flu shots and I said absolutely not. I thought my dd had a bad reaction to the shots but then she ended up getting sick with a cold, so I'll never know if it was a 6 month shot reaction or just the beginning of the cold (she ran a 101.5 fever for two days after the shots, and then the cold showed up on the 3rd day). After my experience with the 6 month shots, I'm so nervous about them. I'll still vaccinate her, but I'm not going to give any of the flus this year because by the time she has her full immunity flu season will be over... Good luck... I totally know how you feel

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

my DD got the regular flu shot and the 2nd part of it earlier this week. IMO it's better they get it.

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

my ped strongly recommended H1N1 and reminded me that this flu was strong last year late spring/early summer.

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

I gave Frankie one dose of the preservative free H1N1 months ago (only one dose since they're pretty sure he had the swine flu when I def had it). I never gave the seasonal flu since they didn't have the preservative free one. He went to the doctor yesterday and I would've given it if they had the one I wanted but since they didn't, I passed on it!

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

I'd skip the seasonal flu vaccine. I am very pro-vaccine too but by the time the vaccine takes effect, flu season will be winding down. I would however reconsider the H1N1 vaccine since that strain didn't follow the typical flu season and was very active during the summer last year

Re: WWYD - Flu shot in late Feb

yES, dEFINITELY, aBSOLUTELY!!!! I am 8.5 months preg (with a 2.5 yr old) and I was totally against getting for myself...dd got it to be safe...my ob told me that there is going to be another set of cases coming this spring neddless to say I got it!!!...I think the shot is safe and would do whatever possible to protect the kiddies!! Good luck on your decision!!!