Flu Shots - Bloomington,IL

I'm taking my 6 month old to get her flu shot this Sat. My peditrican said for her and all her care givers to get one. It's safe for children and no side effects. I just read an article on yahoo about this. Good article if you get a chance to read it. The flu shot is a great safety blanket.

I hadn't ever gotten my oldest son one before he went to school, and sure enough when he started pre-K he got the flue. He was also only going about 3 1/2 hours a day. I am definitely gettin him one this year. School just seems the place to share germs, especially if he is in a large class.

I say "do it". I had my 16 month-old daughter vaccinated for the flu (even though she stays home with me full-time), especially since the flu is so terrible, and can be fatal (people die every year from it). The shot was not that bad at all, and only lasts a second. It also comes from a dead strain of the flu, so you CANNOT get the flu from it (though you can still get other viruses, which you may mistake for the flu). I've never had adverse reactions to it, and my daughter didn't either. Getting the shot protects your own child as well as those around you.

I would call your pediatrician. I called mine today and they are highly recommending anybody over 6 months old get one. There have also been lots of articles in the KC Star recently discussing how important they are and that they lowered the age requirement. I called and my two year old was given an appt in November to have one. I was told they would bill insurance and would not need to even pay the copay at that time. Since it's not a live virus, your son shouldn't get sick from it. It can only help in my opinion.

If your child is in school for 3 hours I would for sure get it.. So many kids get sick cuz of other kids in schools! I had worked in a school and they want alll teachers to get the shot cuz the kids pass it on soooo fast!!!!

My son is 10 months old.. I got him his shot and he will get it every year!!! Me and my older son have got our shot for the last 7 years.. my husband has got his the last 5 years....

I know my sisters family has never gotten theirs. and every year they eater 1 or all get sick.. I just dont want to chance it.. I got sick about 8 years ago and it was bad!!!! I have never been that sick since getting the shot..

but do stress your son wash his hands more the flu season!!! And when he gets home from school have him clean up.. maybe change his shirt even!

my son is 3 years old. he did not have his flu shot last year and he goes to family to be watch. he was fine.i think it depends on how healthy he is. if your boy has a strong health i would not worry..however if he has a weak health then i would worry about it.

As a nurse I have started getting the flu shot for myself and for my children. My son received it last year (at 4 months old) based on doctor's recommendation, and because he had been sick once already. My daughter did not get it last year because she was home, but started kindergarten this year and did get her flu shot.
The shot is not a guarantee that you will not get the flu, but it greatly decreases your chances of getting the virus that is most prominent this year. In very, very rare cases it may cause some flu-like symptoms when the shot is given; but again, it is very rare, and the symptoms are very mild. I would recommend the flu shot based on the fact that he is in school. You also have to think about the fact that his grandparents are watching him. If he brings home the flu from school, he can also give it to them, and the flu can be very severe for elderly people.
Best of luck on your decision. I hope this information helps.
-J.

It depends on your childs health if he is generaly healthy there is no need. I have one daughter that gets one because she has aszma ans allergies and was in and out of hospital alot when little but my other daughter is healthy and does not get one. I am getting one for my son when he turns 6 months because he i so little though. Hope this helps

I don't think they are necessary for that age unless he is prone to get the viruses often in the winter, has a weak immune system or has upper resperatory illness or asthma which my little grandson has. He has had one every year and he is going to be 4 in Dec....it has helped him (I think) to not catch everything that comes along that could develope into an illness that will affect his lungs....but if your son has done fine without it and is healthy he probably doesn't need it. I would check with your pediatrician for his opinion.

My son's 11-months old and at home with me most of the time but I am definitely having him get one. You just never know - ya' know?

I have never had a flu shot until my oldest son was born and that first year we both got the flu shot. Well several weeks later we both felt like we were on our death bed for three weeks. I have not gotten the flu shot for myself or either of my boys since. It is a live vacine. However, the inhalent is not and would not give you the flu. I may be stupid but after those miserable three weeks I'd prefer to chance it than get the shot. I have never tried the inhalent.

I would follow my instincts. The flu vaccine is one of a few vaccines that still contain thimerosal (mercury), which is definitely something to consider. My daughter is in headstart, she goes about 4 hours a day and has caught every cold known to man, but I'm not going to get her the flu shot because my feeling is that her immune system is strong enough to handle the flu. I would definitely consider it if you feel he may not be able to handle it or it would be too problematic to get off of work to care for him if he gets the flu. He may still get the flu, though a milder case, even if he gets the shot.

B.,

I would just keep your sons hands clean. The flu shot isnt fool proof - it is last years virus... so no telling if it will have any effect on the flu of "today".

What you have done the past two years seems to have worked. :)

Good Luck...

T.