Flu Shots

As my pediatrician says, there is a big difference between having the flu (influenza) and having a stomach bug (which people mistakingly call the flu). The flu shots given out protect you from getting influenza which can cause death in some cases. The flu shot does not prevent you from getting sick, it just prevents a potentially deadly illness. Adults with respiratory problems and children are the prime candidates for the flu shot as they are more susceptible to come down with the illness.

My pediatrician told me that because the flu shots are made about 10 months ahead of time, the people making them have to make their best guess about what strains of the virus will appear the following year. That is why some flu shots aren't very effective and other year's are great. it's kind of a luck thing. I don't ever give my kids flu shots and they are healthy.

We all get flu shots, when my son was going through chemo we had to, and we still do. And we all have a pretty healthy winter.

Hi T.,
I've had the shot, as well as my small children. No one has ever been sick in my family. I happen to work for a biotech and have worked for a pharmaceutical company. I do not think it is propaganda as some of these writers have said. I happen to work with a lot of virologists and have much discussed this with them. Most people don't even know what the influenza virus is or does. Most think that if they get sick they have the "stomach flu" which is not the flu. Influenza affects the respiratory system however, it may also give stomach issues. Also, the shot is a "best guess" in which strain will be active during the season. Sorry really, it is up to the parent and how they feel. I would rather take the odds with the shot and not get it if it is right than have no chance without it. I also found this article last year and figure it makes sense as to why people in this area do not get sick like they do in the North East/Midwest. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/health/05flu.html
Good luck in making your decision! Oh, I wouldn't suggest getting the mist though...I don't think it has been studied in the popluation long enough for my liking...and that is just my opinion.

I think the reason the flu vaccine is pushed so hard flu is to prevent a simple sick day from turning into something much worse. I just took my 2 yr old to the Dr. today for a check up and they recommended flu-mist. It is similar to the flu shot, but they inhale it. The nurse told me she see's less kids in the office sick after flu-mist then the flu shot. It takes the same amount of time to take affect (2 wks) but it's not painful at all. I figure it is better to be safe than sorry. Yes, kids get sick, but if we can prevent something small from turning into something big then why not be cautious?

I hate shots. They scare me all the time and I always question if I'm making the right choice by giving my kids their shots - specifically vaccination. That's why I at least spread out their vaccination and not allow their pediatrician to give the shots all at once.

In regards to the flu, I was faced with the same uneasy feeling. But I ended up giving my 2.5 year old the flu shot because she is in preschool and I have a 5 month-old at home. I didn't want her catching anything and giving it to him.

It really is such a hard call. And we never know if we're making the right choice. I just hope that the AAP and our government would begin to REALLY listen to parents concerns...(maybe parents need to CRY OUT LOUDER about this) and enforce a policy to test every child's immune system level before administering any kinds of vaccination.

But we all know that it's the bureaucracy with the Pharmaceutical companies. Because our government is too afraid to stand up to them for fear of also losing the political funding that they are receiving as well.

I think we need to get sick occasionally to build our immunity. Of course we don't want to be sick all the time, so during flu season one should keep to a healthy diet, wash their hands often, and stay away from sick people.

As far as the flu shot, the pediatrician cannot force you to give it to your kids. They are YOUR children and YOU get the final say. If you decide that is what is best for your children, make sure you request the mercury-free shot. If the doctor says they don't have it, he/she HAS TO order it.

The flu shot is very helpful in reducing the number of flu viruses and the severity of the illness. Some doctors insist on giving all children the flu shot simply because the people who do not get flu shots are more likely to get the flu and so more likely to pass it on. You do NOT have to get a flu shot. The doctor can insist all he wants, it is your right to refuse. It will not hurt your children to try it now, even if they have never had it. But don't let you doctor bully you into doing something that you want to do. You should ask him questions to determine why he wants this and then you make the decision.

Before you get the shot, you need to know what is in them:

Fluvirin
Influenza Virus Vaccine
Medeva Pharmaceuticals
1-888-MEDEVA
###-###-####
produced using embryonic fluid (chicken egg), neomycin, polymyxin, thimerosal, betapropiolactone
medium: embryonic fluid (chicken egg)

FluShield
Influenza Virus Vaccine, Trivalent, Types A&B
Wyeth-Ayerst
1-800-934-5556
produced using gentamicin sulfate, formaldehyde, polysorbate 80, tri(n)butylphosphate, thimerosal
medium: chick embryos

So, if any of your children are allergic to eggs or antibiotics, or you don't want them to be injected with thimerosal (mercury preservative), then you should forego the shots. Do your children have healthy immune systems? Most of these shots were formulated for "high risk" groups who are otherwise immuno-compromised. (ie, cancer patients, the elderly...) If your kids have healthy immune systems, they will be able to fight off a normal flu virus. Yes, they will get sick if they are exposed. But it also will rev up their immune systems to the point that they are fighting everything off like crazy. I never enjoy getting the flu, but afterward, I don't get sick with anything, even sniffles, for a long, long time. So if your kids are healthy, and you don't have any high risk family members to worry about, you should consider letting their bodies do their jobs without assistance. Even if you do decide to get the shots, it should be YOUR decision, not your doctor's. If your doctor is trying to strong arm you, find a new doctor. It is unethical (and illegal) to force someone to receive treatment for a disease they don't have. Good luck!

Hi T.,

This is obviously a subject a lot of us feel strongly about, -looking at the number of answers you have gotten ;-)

Anyways, I would like to offer a different perspective....statistics, -and you can check them out for yourself at:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr56/nvsr56_10.pdf

"Table 10. Number of deaths from 113 selected causes by age: United States,2005—Con."
If you look at lines 6-7 you will see the number of deaths from the Flu and Pneumonia have been separated, and it reads; in 2005 1,812 people of all ages died of the Flu (not the 30.000+ the media claims ever year).
Of the 1.812 who died, 19 were under the age of 1, 19 were 1-4 yo., 20 were 5-14 yo.
(To put it in perspective the population of the United States is 300,000,000.)

So I would say it is not very important to get a flushot.

Good luck with your decision :-)

Hi T.,

My mother-in-law is the infection control specialist for a major hospital in Central California. One of her jobs is to conduct flu shot clinics. She would tell you, your husband, and your children to get them. Why? Yes, you can still get the flu even if you have the shot or the mist, but it won't be as bad if you do get it. Two, influenza kills--hard to believe in this day and age, but it's true. I know two families who go to my niece's elementary school who didn't get flu shots last year--one family member died, several others (parents and kids alike) were hospitalized. I'm not trying to scare you, and yes, you should do what you feel comfortable with--but the flu is not something to be taken lightly, especially for pregnant women, caregivers, children up to age 18, and elderly people.

My mother-in-law also recommends that people get whooping cough vaccines again as adults and teens. She has seen a lot of cases among older people in her hospital in the last few years due to the fact that we live in California (we have lots of immigrants, who may not have current vaccines; others are postponing or opting out of childhood vaccines for various reasons). Whooping cough is dangerous too. By the way, current flu shots no longer contain the preservative that people were originally concerned about, so not to worry.

I realize that vaccines are a controversial issue, but I think they definitely have their appropriate place in health care. Like my mother-in-law says, it's not "if" we'll get a flu pandemic that will cripple the world's population--it's "when"...

Her best advice? Wash your hands often and well; use Purell in between hand-washings.

:-) D.

Hi T.,
I like you get sick when I get a flu shot. If you are feeding your children a healthy diet, and are practicing good hygiene, their immune systems should be able to fight off the latest viruses/bacterias.
I would be concerned about giving children the flu shot. That is the only immunization that still contains thermosil (aka mercury) that is causing all the autism scare with children.

Hi T.:
I second what SH said.I have an elderly mother, who's not strong enough to really fight some of those terrible flu viruses,so I get one each year,so as not to infect her.I've taken the shot for the last 5 years,and I can honestly say,Its passed me by each year since.When they began the flu vacines, I believe they made the mistake of giving injections of the live virus instead of another. We had a few coworkers that got sick,and all swore to never get another flu shot.They no longer do that,and I've never had a problem.The way I look at it,is It sure can't hurt to be protected.Some of the new flus are so wicked,and I know, if one does catch hold of me, I won't suffer nearly as bad as those who opted for nothing.I wish you and your darlin children the best.

Hi T....the flu shot is composed of "inactivated" viruses that cannot get you sick. The flu mist is composed of live virus that has been weakened. The mist should never be taken by anyone with a compromised immune system. Each year the CDC uses information gathered from many sources to basically guess what flu strains will be active from year to year and the vaccine is composed to prevent these strains. Like most guesses, it's not perfect but for the most part they seem to get it mostly right from year to year. The exception was last year when they really missed the mark. So, the vaccine may not entirely prevent the flu but it gives you the greatest chance to avoid it. There is a preservative free vaccine if you have concerns about that issue. Right now your children are young and may not be exposed to many ill people but once they start school their chances of contracting the flu rise exponentially. I get the vaccine every year and so far it's worked well for me. I get the vaccine because I'm a nurse practitioner that works with kids. Not only is it safer for the kids for me to be vaccinated but it's also safer for me because many of my little patients cough or sneeze on me without covering their mouth. I've been flu free for many years since beginning the vaccine even with the strong exposure I have through my job. Only you can make this decision and I encourage you to do the research prior to deciding. Just be sure that your decision is based on fact and research from dependable sources, not on opinion or hysteria. Good luck.
S.

I just spent 2 hours on the Internet reading about Immunizations and I felt compelled to write you not only about the flu shot, but vaccines as well! Do your homework here is a website. www.909shot.com You want to stay away from immunizations containing Thimerosal ( a Mercury based preservative) the CVC takes it out of most drugs, but old stock exists. I am not going to do the flu vaccine-too much is being injected into kids that could compromise their systems in other ways :) Best of luck!

I cannot say this strongly enough, DO NOT GET THE FLU SHOT. Most people that get it end up being sick and the ingredients that are in it do long term damage, especially for older people and children. Please, do the research for both sides. When they say it kills 35,000 people a year, they are just pulling a number out of somewhere. That is mainly older people who have been in the hospital for other things and get pneumonia.

Here is a short video that uses a visual of what is in the flu shot.

http://www.stupidity.com/play-5953-Flu_Shot_Ingredients.html

The long term effects, besides having the flu, are Alzheimers, MS, Parkinsons, just think of anything involving the brain and add to the list. The aluminum that is in it is enough of a reason to not take it and then add in the other ingredients ......

I am, by far, no medical expert, but I can tell you my experience with flu shots. When we got flu shots, we got the flu. When we didn't get flu shots, we didn't get the flu.

When my baby was 1, her ped. insisted on a flu shot. I really wasn't too keen on it based on past experience but he scared me with stories of hospital stays, etc. so I caved and let him give her the flu shot. Well, my precious baby was sick for the next 4 months and ended up having to have surgery to remove part of her skull from the powerful infection that the flu shot was supposed to protect her from. Never again! Personally, I think flu shots are a scam. But that's just my experience.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Hi T.,

First of your children's pediatrician can't insist that you give your children flu shots he can only strongly suggest such a course of action at the most. You are their mother and you must decide. I don't take the flu shot and I don't give it to my young children. Instead we focus on a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and lots of handwashing! We get mild colds at most while my husband who does take the shot usually gets the flu. Here are two articles containing some information that may be of help to you:

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-fluparents29...

http://naturalmedicinerx.blogspot.com/2008/09/just-say-no...

All the best,
S.

It is my belief that you should build up an immunity to viruses naturally. This means contracting the flu and colds too and letting your natural immune system work through it. Did you know that that this years flu vaccine is last years virus strains? yes, it's true. This is suppose to keep you from getting extremely ill. If you have a suppressed immune system, then by all means get a flu shot. Otherwise, let nature take it course. I would recommend building your family's immune system by consuming more Vitamin C and eating healthy. I use a product called Emer gen-C. It is a powdered pre measured dose that can be added to water or juice, consumed hot or cold. It also is available for children, and tastes good too. It has B vitamins and electrolytes.

I never get flu shots. I've known more people who get the flu FROM the shot. Besides, it doesn't cover all flus. It's just a guess as to which virus might get out there. Give your children Ecchinachea (sp?) and a ton of vitamins to keep them from getting something.

T.,

I'm with you. I got a flu shot about 16 years ago and I got the flu real bad after that (my Dr. at the time said, not a chance and that I had something else) either way, I appeared to have the flu. Since then I've had it at the most once a year - not even sure if it's the flu, just flu like symptoms, and I usually get it for 24 hours. I stay hydrated and rest and it just seems to pass. My daughter is 6 in a couple of weeks, she's never had the shot and never had the flu (knock on wood) my son is 3 and has had the flu or something like it (do we ever really know when it is the flu??) he like me rebounds real quick. So, I don't know, every year I'm on the fence. I don't think it is the flu that actually hurts you but the dehydration that can occur and with my son, although he seemed to get it or something that made him throw up for 24 hours, he was breastfeeding until the age of 3 and I swear that saved him, the one thing he'd do even though he was very sick was nurse like crazy. Now that he isn't any more, I'll just make sure he sips something like Hydralyte if he get's it again. Sorry to ramble. My gut says no on the shot (at least right now). Have you seen the ingredients? Look it up if you haven't, I found this on one search so I'm not sure how current it is:
http://www.vaclib.org/basic/fluindex.htm

After reading the responses you've received, I wanted to add, that I do agree that elderly folks should get it. You got some good respones, from people on both sides. You are the Mom, do what you feel is best.

Best wishes,
M.

Just to correct some info you received. Flu shots do not contain Thimerosal or mercury anymore.

T.,

For what it's worth, my youngest is 8 and has never, ever had the flu shot and has only come down with the flu once in her little life time. I've never had the flu shot and <knock on wood> I haven't had the flu in...it's been so long I can't even remember.

N.

Since the flu can lead to all sorts of complications, our three children ALWAYS get the flu shot. It's better to be safe than sorry!

it actully has made my lil sis get the flu every year i dont see the point ive never ad one and i get the flu every 2-3 years

T.,

You have a lot of great information in these responses. Most importantly, you know your family and what is right for all of you. I do get the flu shot and I get it for my children as well. Our pediatrician uses the non-themerisol vaccine. If you do have your kids get the shot, make sure they are getting that one. Other than that, there is a lot of great information out there and bottom line, it depends on what your lifestyle is and what your family is regularly exposed to. Since my husband and I are both teachers, the kids are in preschool we are around lots of germy kids all the time. We get the shot. Good luck.

Flu shots contain 25 micrograms of mercury. One microgram is considered toxic. The more flu vaccines you receive increases your chances of developing Alzheimers. Go to a homeopathic pharmacy. They have natural remedies for preventing the flu.
To read more on flu vaccines and prevention visit my website
www.victoryoveradhd.com
D. Merlin
Mother/author

Of course, this is a highly personal choice, but I can offer you my experience. The very first time I rec'd a flu shot, I did get sick. The doctor insists it wasn't from the shot itself, who knows? However, quite a few years later, my son was born, developed asthma, and we all began getting flu shots every year. Nobody in my family has reactions from them--even my infant son didn't react to them, and none of us ever get sick from the shot. Last year, almost every single kid in my son's class got the true "flu"---headache, sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, and were out of school from 4-10 days! Not my vaccinated son!! He was surrounded by empty desks (which means he also was surrounded by them at their most contagious, right before they physically became ill!) and never got sick! True flu, or influenza, is not the same as a cold virus, and causes many hospitalizations and deaths every year, not too mention all the complications those with asthma and other chronic conditions get when they catch the flu. Most of us don't get it every year, but it's pretty major when we do. The shot itself is not a guarantee that you won't get it---there are many strains of influenza virus, and the CDC does their best educated guess as to which strains will be the problem that year. Sometimes they are spot on, sometimes not. For me, it's worth it to get the shot (they don't bother me) to know that I might not get the flu, or that my son (who has asthma) won't get it. I don't have the luxury of being in bed for a week....

Hi T.,

Go with your gut. I teach at a local high school and each year I say to myself "this is the year everyone in my family gets a flu shot" and invariably we miss the local clinic dates or I'm too busy to schedule the appointment. Then, the following spring, I read about how the vaccine given didn't match this year's flu virus and was essentially worthless.

I get that it's important for the elderly, but I think for young, healthy families, a good diet, good sleep, good exercise and LOTS of soapy handwashing is more effective. Like your kids, mine get the coughs and sniffles and general blahness that can go around, but never the three week "do I take my kid to the hospital" flu...knock on wood it doesn't happen this year! <g>

Here's a good one for you... I taught 8 years in a California high school where strep was known to take down 1/3 of the student body at a time. I never got strep. I left that school, moved to a new state and started working in an office and got strep quarterly for 2 years! I went back to teaching, the students got strep, and I never got it again. Go figure.

Don't let your pediatrician bully you. If you don't want the flu shot, don't get it.

What's in a Flu shot?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWfCnjnShnM

It's a funny comedy clip... on why ingredients are not listed. (No shot for me or my children. DH gets himself the shot.)

They encourage parents to get flu shots and give them to their children because the flu can be deadly to the immature immune systems of young children.
Obviously it will not work every year. They do their best to anticipate the most rampant form of the virus and vaccinate against that one. Some years they are very accurate and others, not so much.
You should do some research and talk to your pediatrician about specific concerns you have.

It really depends... and each person is different. For young children... who are in school or exposed to lots of children, or the elderly... it is recommended.

The Flu is the Flu... and in some it can create complications and people or children can end up in the hospital. So that is something to think about.

Also, when someone in a family is sick, it will often spread to the others in the household. So that is another factor... and if a child/adult is sick... they will miss school days or work days. So that's another element in some people's decision.

The Flu shot... you "can" still get sick with the Flu... but if vaccinated, it can lessen the severity of the symptoms...and shorten the amount of days a person/child is sick. So that is another factor in why or why not people/children get the vaccination.

there is also the flu "mist." And per research studies, it has proven highly effective in children/toddlers.

Flu shots don't make people "NOT" get sick... but it lessens the severity of it. That has happened to me. But my Hubby who did not get vaccinated, got the Flu a LOT worse than me. I recovered quicker and better, and my daughter too.

Flu shots don't prevent colds either. It is specific for the "Flu." So a person can still catch colds or other viruses.

I have always gotten my daughter vaccinated, and she has not gotten the flu except for once, and she recovered quicker.

Each person has different opinions and experiences with it. But for me, I rather vaccinate myself and my kids... so they don't get hit harder by it, or not at all... and lessen the complications of the Flu.

Good luck,
Susan

It really does depend on your situation. The past several years I have gotten a flu shot and if I got sick it was minimal and lasted a few days. I also worked w/a lot of people and the public so it was important to me to get the shot. My 5 year old has received the flu shot also, w/no problems. My husband usually doesn't get the shot and gets pretty sick every winter and is sick the longest. I also have a 1 year old who just got over a nasty virus that put us in the ER w/a 105 temp.
That being said, this year we're all getting shots. I am going to request thermsol free shots (which are given to kids under 2). I know there is so much discussion about vaccinations right now, so only you know what is best. For my family, I have chosen to vaccinate my kids on a staggered timeline and will do the thermsol free flu shots. Good luck!

Hi T.. I come from an anti-drug line of thinking which may not be understood by many people, including those around me. However, you have to trust what you believe is best for your family. We don't believe in flu shots. We don't have our children subjected to it. When they get sick, their immunity just gets stronger from it. We believe in the body's natural ability to heal itself. From experience, everytime I myself have gotten a flu shot in the distant past, I had gotten sick from it, sicker than when I didn't get the shot. That's what we believe and that's what we practice - no flu shots. We have a holistic naturopath for our kids' pediatrician so he is on our side. We're not medically oriented. However, it's totally up to you. Your wishes and concerns should be respected by your pediatrician. Good luck in making your decision. Trust your instincts.

In my opinion, they don't need the flu shot. I would rather let them get the virus and get over it by taking care of them, then getting the shot with all the preservatives, chemicals such as mercury, formaldihyde, etc. and the flu!

I'm not real big on vaccinating for everything, and I agree the pharmaceutical companies are corrupt, BUT, before we started getting flu shots, we ALWAYS got the flu, severely, and sometimes more than once each year (there are multiple strains!).
The years when we HAVE gotten the shot, we have gotten sick sometimes, but NOT even half as sick as other people we know who did NOT get the shot. When other people were down and out for over a week with fevers, body aches, and the whole gamut of symptoms, we were just dealing with the respiratory stuff.
But we also seem to be prone to respiratory stuff and complications, so for us, the flu shot definitely works and is helpful. BTW, we eat extremely healthy, practice good hygiene, etc. But there is nothing you can do to avoid other kids in school who don't practice good hygiene, and parents who send their kids to school when they are obviously contagious.
But if you guys really don't get sick, and the flu virus always seems to skip your household, then I wouldn't get the flu shot either. Why put that stuff in your body if you don't need to?
Like some other moms said, "Go with your gut feeling."

There are plenty of evidences against flu shots. I lost a job once because I refused to get a flu shot. The bottom line is that pharmaceutical companies are corrupt and cannot be trusted. Do a lot of research. I do not recomend it.

If you are interested in something alternative that will feed your immune system and support it in the job it was designed to do, let me know.

God Bless
J.
____@____.com

My son is two and we always get flu shots and never had any issues. I do have a friend who did not believe in 'convnetional medicine' and her little girl never got shots or anything else like that. At age 3 she came in contact with another little one who had the flu, and was just muddling through it. She however became very ill due to a weakend immune system and not having the proper build up of antibodies to fight the flu. Now, not that I believe that drug companies are ALWAYS looking out for our best interests, but I think some precautions are just necessary...she spent 3 weeks in the NICU getting fluids and treatments.

If you are really worried, then talk about it with you peidiatrician. Ask him what kind of vaccine he uses, my son's uses the new inhaled version that doesn't require a shot. Find out what strains it covers and its effect rate, and if you do your own research before hand ask him why he chose that one and if you prefer another ask him to use that one.

Just keep yourself informed...good luck!

Hi T.,

I know you have already received a lot of good advice and opinions. I too wanted to share my flu shot experience with you. Mine seems to correspond with some of the other moms who addressed this.

My daughter's doctor insisted she get the flu shot a few years ago when we were there for something else. She was the only one in the family to get one, and the only one in the family to get the flu that year.

The next year against my gut feeling, the doctor talked me into having it for my daughter, son and myself. My husband, who was not at this appointment, was spared. And you guessed it - the three of us shot receivers had the flu that flu season.

It has been stressed that the shots do not protect against all strands out there, and that these incidences must be coincidences. However, naive or not, I no longer subject myself or family to the shot.....and guess what we have not been sick during flu season.

Occassionally, everyone gets sick. I think that is the way it is suppose to be. As for me and mine, we will continue to be flu shot free.

Good luck.

i would recommend the flu shot for your children. if a child or baby get the actual flu virus, it can be very serious. please give it some thought.
like you, i have not gotten a flu shot in years, but with 2 kids in school and a background in clinical virology, i am giving it serious thought this year.
as for your 3-week illness despite the flu shot years ago, the flu shot is a cocktail of flu viruses seen in the past, but not all of them. you may have been infected with a virus other than the flu virus.
have a healthy winter!
A.

TOTALLY up to you. Do your research on the risks of getting the flu and what the possible side effects are. If you are willing to deal with your kids getting the flu, then you don't have to get the shot. If you want to avoid them getting sick for a week or more (can't afford to miss work or what have you) then do it.

If you and your kids are hardly ever sick, except for the occasional cold, etc., you do not need flu shots. I have never gotten one and my kids haven't either, and we rarely get sick. Flu shots are for the chronicly ill, elderly, and kids that get sick a lot.

I do not give myself or my kids the flu shot. My kids get sick but usually coughs, strep or just cold never the really bad flu. I have a friend who gets it every year & all her kids and they aways get the flu. One of her kids was even in the hospital last year for over a week with the flu after getting the shot. My dad was in a nursing home and they gave him the flu shot he got the flu and DIED!! I will NEVER let anyone in my family get the shot. If your doctor gives you a hard time switch doctors. Ask him if he can guarentee your kids won't get sick he can't. Go with your gut. JUST SAY NO!!

the flu vaccine is a dead virus so your shouldnt be sick from it. do your children have asthma or any type of lung issues. they reccamend that people with lung disease (asthma) heart disease, low immune systems, and elderly people should have a flu shot. you can try it out this year with them and if your think it makes them sick then dont get it next time around. my daughter has to get a flu shot because she has asthma that become horribly bad when shes sick so her dr makes sure she gets her shot. good luck the dicision is yours i would research the pros and cons of the flu shot. good luck again :)