Dilemma - Do I Give My Daughter the Flu Shot or Not?

If I was in this position I would not give my child the flu shot if she was allergic to eggs because even though she just gets blotchs at any time it could get worse. This is just my opinion I hope it helps.

I work at a pediatric office and if a child is allergic to eggs in any way they will not give him or her a flu shot.

L.

My kids are also allergic to eggs and we didn't get the flu shot last year. My son got sick last year and ended up in the ER with a rush on to lower his body temp because it was over 106 and he was delirious and unable to function. This year I am going to my allergist with them to see what she thinks. I trust her immensely (she's saved my life). If she says the allergy is low enough on the scale to have the shot then we will go with it, especially there where they are equipped to handle allergy emergencies. I would really check it out, especially where she had RSV. Find a good allergist and see what they think. I'm on Long Island and I'll give you her name if it is near you.

N.

I just got my flu shot, and while getting it I asked the nurse if it's appropriate to give a child who is allergic to eggs the shot (I remembered your posting). She said, they would not give anyone the flu shot if the person has egg allergies, specially a child. She was very surprised to hear that your Dr. left it up to you to decide if your child should get the shot. If I were you, I'd skip it, and just wash wash wash those hands.

Talk to your doctor about the inhaled version. If she is allergic to eggs, you run the risk of a severe reactions, including the swelling of her throat and hampering breathing and quite honestly it isn't worth it.

I would SKIP the flu shot and be extra cautious about hand-washing and staying away from sick kids this flu season. There is no guarantee she will get the flu without the shot and there is no guarantee she wont get the flu with the shot.
My son has a slight egg sensitivity and has asthma, and was hospitalized last year with pneumonia. I wont even consider giving him a flu shot. But then again, I'm perfectly healthy, and I would never get a flu shot myself. I just dont feel comfortable with them.

My opinion, no. I do not believe in the flu shot especially for infants and young children. There are so many doctors out there pushing it but I do not feel it is necessary. Neither of my children have had the flu shot and they are fine. Their doctor actually told me that she didn't think it was necessary for my children. If the child is healthy they will be able to fight off the flu. My daughter has yet to have the flu at 18 months and my 3 year old son has had it once. My son came down with the flu last year for the first time and was fine after a day or so. It would seem crazy to give it to your daughter especially if your daughter is allergic to something in the vaccine.

My cousin's daughter got the flu shot when she was a year and she ended up getting the flu when she recieved the shot and then again that same winter. My son who is 6 mnths older never got it until he was 2 1/2 years old. She also had a lot more colds after getting it as well. That reinsforced my thoughts on the flu shot. There isn't a gurantee she wouldn't get the flu.

That is very concerning that he wants to give the shot even though your daughter is allergic to eggs-(if egg derivative is really in the shot)

I would go get a second opinion from another pediatrician in another town/area.

I would also make an appointment with an Allergist-this way you get a professional opinion and the extent of her allergy.

And if it is true that you should NOT get that shot due to her allergy-I would no longer see the other pediatrician.

My daughter is allergic to sulfa-All antiobiotics in the sulfa group...but they did tell me that when she is old enough to use woman products-those may affect her as well.

I use to not be for the flu shot BUT it is getting worse and worse on death rate for elders and young children. Therfore, this year will be her first flu shot. We will be going to a family doctor so that I can get mine the same time she gets hers. We're in it together.

BUT FOR SURE...
I would not give it to her until you talk to more doctors-go with your gut feeling

Hey T.,

I wouldn't take that chance. When the child's immune system is good your child will not need the immunization. I feel 50% about immunizations. I feel some are out to get the child sicker and some actually help. My two year old got the flu vaccine last year and was perfectly fine but if I was you. I wouldn't even take the chance. Just make sure she is dressed really warm and dont' even worry about it.

My children and I do not get flu shots. We do get all the other vaccinations. I don't agree with the flu shot because it's a shot in the dark that it will protect you against whatever strain there is floating around in any particular year. There are so many different types of flu, and they can't put them all in one shot. They just guess at which one will be the most "popular" (for lack of a better word), and make the shot for that one. Your daughter could still get a flu that isn't protected through the vaccine. I say keep her rested, and well fed with healthy food and vitamins, and don't get the shot. Especially since she is allergic. Please come back and let us know what you decide.

Hi. I used to work in a pediatric office and the LPN who worked there had a daughter who was allergic to eggs. She gave it to her daughter anyway because the reaction from the eggs was a lot less risky than getting the flu. I would give it to her the last few years the flu has been so bad and some people who got the flu shot still had gotten some strains of the flu, but they would have been much worse if they did'nt get the shot. The flu could make her so sick she might have to be hospitalized. I wouldn't take the chance. Just follow your doctors instructions like giving benadryl. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. I hope I helped.

Get the flu shot for your child especially where she had rsv. When they give the shot you will stay at the Dr. for a least 2o min. if she is going to react most cases it would happen within the first 10 to 20 min. At the office they have the med to give her right away to help with reactions and then you will know she will be ok for other shots coming up like her mmr and varicella. If your doctor is fine with it your little girl will be better for it in the long run. God Bless:) Pediatric Nurse

My son is allergic to eggs and the Dr. told me he should not have it. Moreover the little ones that I know of that had it get sick afterwards.

I have two boys, 18mos and 3years and none of us have ever gotten the flu shot. I personally haven't even gotten it since I was a kid. Yeah, it may help some, but I'm big on thinking these preventative shots make you more sick than help. Especially if your little one is allergic to eggs, just don't even risk it. Just be extra careful on where she is exposed.

I would consult an allergist.

My son is 12 years old now. He is also allergic to eggs. His ped. and allergist have been firm in the decision to not give him the flu shot. Both Drs agree that the shot given to a person with an egg allergy is much riskier than the chance that he will get the flu. Your daughter can get seriously ill from being injected with something she is alllergic too.

T.,

I have the same problem with my 2 year old son. He has a lot of allergies to food, and one of them is eggs. I would advise you not to give your daughter the flu shot. I had to bring my son to the doctors a few weeks ago, and his doctor didn't even ask me if I wanted to give him the flu shot, because she knew that he is allergic to eggs. And wouldn't advise it.

I'm so surprised that your doctor left the choice to you! If your daughter reacts to eggs with a rash, I think he's crazy to make it your decision! Is she high risk in any other way? ( heart disease, asthmatic, seizures etc.?) if so, then that's a different question. Do you like/respect this doctor?

I would skip the flu shot and wash, wash wash wash wash your hands! lolol...

That's a hard one.. I'm 50 & never in my life got a flu shot.. never will. 'they' still don't know what causes Autism tho I've heard it said very possible it's linked to certain shots. Its hard to say.. you have to follow your gut. Ask your Mom (if possible) what she did with you as a baby? Doctors are going to advocate shots, etc. that's their buisness to do so. I think if we limit the people around the child, if she's not w/a care-taker all day.. and you're sure to wash your hands constnatly before/after touching her... she doesn't have to get the flu this season. Good luck whatever you choose. Hope this helps if only a little.

If an adult is allergic to eggs they can't get the shot, so it shouldn't be any different for a child - especially a child that young. I don't give my kids the flu shot and I don't get it either. It makes me that much sicker for the entire season.

There is a RSV shot, called Synergis, available. I'm not sure if it contains eggs of not, but it is an option.