Flu Shot - East Hampton,CT

Of course this is a personal decision and you need to decide what is best for you and your family. Last year's flu season was particularly bad and the vaccine was not as helpful as usual. The vaccine is typically 80 - 90% effective. My husband is a teacher and I work at a university so we are exposed to a ton of germs, and our children are in daycare, so we opted to get them the flu vaccine. I'm typically a go with nature kind of person and had personally not gotten the flu shot until I was pregnant with the boys. Good luck and welcome to CT.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the flu shot if she has always been fairly healthy. About the only time my advice on that would change is if she is showing any signs or has asthma. However, nothing you have said indicates that she has so I wouldn't bother. I am inclined to agree that a lot of docs out there seem to push meds a lot. Stick to your guns and don't let them push you around!

I, personally, would advise against any vaccinations which are not needed. the flu shot being one of them. from what i've researched, flu shots are less than 50% effective because the strain of flu is always changing, and this years vaccine is targeted towards last years virus. rather than getting the shot, try doubling up on vitamin c, lots of fruits and vegetables, wash hands frequently, etc. during the flu/cold season and let your child's body stay as pure as possible for as long as possible before allowing foreign man made virus' to be injected. routine chiropractic care is also helpfull in keeping the body healthy. there's also a book by dr. sears (not sure if i spelt his name correctly) on vaccines, pros and cons, that you may find helpfull.

Find a new doctor that talks to you in a more professional manner. That's rude to say "stupid" in front of a six year old.

Also, one of the things I love best about my pediatrician is that he sites research. When I have a question, there are many times when he has been able to say what the research shows. My oldest (almost 5) has a flu shot every year. One reason they site, however, is that it would be more dangerous for her younger sibling if she got it and passed it on to him. They have also recommended that I get it with an infant in the house. Not sure how that applies when you have a three year old.