Just curious if you give your children flu shots? I have in the past, but I am having reservations about it this year. Not sure why.
This same question was posted yesterday and got a ton of responses..I don't get them,my kids don't and never will, my husband has gotten sick the two times he got them, and my grandma died last year after gettingthe new one with h1n1 in it.
no. We do not do the flu shot in this house. I have never had one before and I rarely get sick. My husband hasn't had one since he was in the marines 8 years ago and my kids have never had one, and they never will.
Flu can be fatal. We all get flu shots every year. It's a myth that they contain some mysterious "immune system damaging ingredients" as one poster put it. Don't buy into the Internet myths about shots. Listen to the woman who was gravely ill in college with the flu -- it is not just some severe cold; it can threaten a life.
I have gotten the flu once since starting to get shots, but I know it was a much, much milder case, and over with more quickly, than if I had not had a shot, because I had had it in years prior to the shots becoming common. And it was definitely worse without having had the shot.
I would always get my child a flu shot. Why not protect her if I can?
No, never. We have very healthy children and don't want to inject them with immune system damaging ingredients. We never get the flu, and we have a big family.
UPDATE:
Instead of taking my word or someone else's word about the ingredients, google it yourself. You can download the actual flu vaccine insert. Here is one source to find the information: http://www.vaclib.org/chapter/inserts.htm
I want to also suggest that it is possible that the person who got so very sick in college may not have had a healthy diet during that time. Most college students have poor diets, little sleep, and weak immune systems.
And, yes, these toxins are immune-weakening, just as sugar is. Combine the two and you have a cocktail for trouble. So many kids get suckers after getting a shot. Not a good idea. You probably need to do some research on your own to come up with a plan that works for you. I am sure many of us will disagree with each other. As the parent, the responsibility falls to your shoulders. Don't just take our words for it. Blessings!
I have never, and will never get the flu shot for me or my kids. Bottom line.... you will get sick, your kids will get sick. With or without the shot. You cannot even lump "THE flu" into one category. So many illnesses can be called the flu, there are so many strains of it....I just find it silly. And most people I know who do get the shots, are sicker then the ones who don't, and more often!
Well, my daughter almost DIED earlier this year from complications stemming from the flu. So YES...everyone is getting one and so is my babysitter and family members who want to be around her. I will NEVER forgive myself for not getting her a flu shot last year. She almost DIED for heavens sake.
Excuse me while it climb onto my soapbox...
I think it is CARELESS to not get vaccinated for this knowing that it KILLS thousands of people EVERY YEAR! And for those who say that you can get the flu even with the shot....well you can die from a car accident even while wearing your seat belt. Its about cutting the risk. But unfortunately, like me, it may take you watching your child struggle for life in a cold metal hospital crib to realize that it just might be worth the effort to vaccinate.
I know this is a hot topic, and it is for good reasons. I'm just curious. For those of you who do not vaccinate with the flu shot, what is your reasoning? Because you have never had the flu before? Or, because you are concerned about vaccinations in general?? I'm truly curious about why people choose not to.
I think it's important to remember that the REASON why the incidences of the flu are down is because of vaccinations. We live in a very privileged country where we have these resources at our fingertips. If you choose NOT to get the vaccination and you've been advised to have a flu shot or any other vaccination, you are not only putting yourself at risk, you are putting other people at risk around you. Vaccinations are not only to prevent illness in the person they are being given to. There are people with compromised immune systems who can die from getting the flu and other viruses.
This is something that is VERY important to be aware of if you choose not to vaccinate.
I have always gotten my children flu shots because their pedi whom I trust recommends them. For my oldest it is an absolute must because of his asthma. If your children are in daycare or school, I think a flu shot is a good idea.
My husband and I have not had the flu shot in probably over 20 years and have not had the flu since. My kids are 11 and 8 and have NEVER gotten the flu shot and my 11 yo had perfect attendance from K-end of 4th grade. Even then she just had a head cold. Don't get it and see what happens...probably nothing!!! Good luck!
We do the flu mist, no thimserol preservative. I must say, I skipped the flu shot last year and I was ill for 9 days and out of work for 7. I've never missed an entire week of work, ever. And I'm a generally very healthy person with no extenuating health issues. I will definitely be getting it this year.
My kids get them every year.... So do I
Yes, I get them the moment they are available. Mainly, because I don't want to have the kids or myself suffer through the flu, but also because I knew a otherwise healthy 13 year-old boy who died from complications of the flu. Would that have happened if he had received the shot? Maybe, but maybe not. My heart just broke for his family because who could imagine that would have happened. Obviously, such serious complications are rare, but if I can do something to avoid both the serious and less serious effects of the flu, I want to. Also, we regularly visit my son's great grandma, and I want to reduce how many germs I expose her to.
we get them every year because my kids have asthma.
If they get the flu it is BAD and could end with them in the hospital
I've never had a flu shot and only gave it to my daughter once when the flu was extremely bad. I'm of the opinion that too much medicine, etc. messes witht he body's natural immunities. I've had the flu 3 or 4 times in my lifetime and my daughter has never had it. (I'm 59; she's 20)
If you're having doubts, trust your instinct! Do LOTS of GOOD research and until you're convinced one way or the other don't feel pressured to get one. I researched all vaccines and try to keep up with the current research. My kids and I do not get the flu shot but my dh does. It's a choice everyone needs to make just with all vaccines. Just really educate yourself (do NOT rely on your doc because they are too biased and most do not really know the research behind the vaccines) and then make a decision you're comfortable with. Good luck, it's NOT an easy decision!
We never have. Not even when the big H1N1 scare was going on. I have had the flu, maybe 4 times in my life. My kids are 3.5 years and 2 years.
Well you should go with your gut! Flu shots are full of Thimerosal (mercury)
and you can even ask your doctor a question....Why did they say they took the mercury out of childhood vaccines because it is a neurotoxin and then stick it in FLU shots and target pregnant women and children??? Doesn't make sense , does it. Give your child Vit d
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/1...
My son was vaccine injured and I just hope people start to listen to the mom's who are out the researching and fighting everyday. LISTEN to your gut too. I wish I did!
LC
I do. First, I know I don't want to be miserable with the flu, and I certainly dont' want my kids to be miserable with the flu, even if it just makes it a little less bad. Secondly, my neighbor lost a child to complications from the flu, so it is a REAL problem.
Nope don't get it for any of us. I figure when you worry about something that's when you get it. Take the h1n1 I worked at a child center where all the teachers freaked out about if but me and they all got it but me. I was even snuggling with sick kids while waiting for their parents to come. My son never got it either. I know it can be bad to get the flu but there's alot of hype about it too.
No flu shots! First of all, the shot only vaccinates against last year's flu, and not whatever new strain is presently flying around. Second, the shot has mercury in it that is used for a preservative to give it shelf life. Just focus on building up your immune system and you'll either resist the flu, or at worst, have a light case, which in a lot of cases the shot gives anyway.
Nope. Last year was the first year we declined it for DD and it was the first year she didn't get the flu.
DH and I never get flu shots and never get sick.
Follow your mama gut! :)
We havent done flu shots in over 2 years and we will not start them back up. The con way out weight the pros for us. To many additives in the shots for me to be comfortable. We are just taking other procautions and adding local honey and immune support vitamins to your boys daily routine.
No we never get the flu shot and have gotten the flu a few times but it was nothing serious. I even got the swine flu a couple of years ago. I did come across that vitamin D3 is more effective than the flu shot so we did that last year and no one got the flu.....we are already on our D3 this year.
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I have a child that's high risk plus several family members so we get them every year. My kids already got theirs and no side effects other than a sore arm for a day or two.
We didn't use to do flu shots. I did get it once myself when my employeer did them free of charge.
My daughter is 4.5 and we allowed her to have the flu shot up until last year. Last year, the H1N1 vaccine was combined w/ the regular flu shot so we declined and will do the same this year. I don't trust the H1N1 vaccine and refuse it in any form.
Yes, appointment Monday afternoon. He has received one every year. We get them too, since they added the H1N1 portion and changed the recommendation to include all healthy adults.
Always. My son and I actually got ours yesterday.
Yes.
Each year.
No side effects.
I get them too, because I have Asthma. I already got mine.
Never had side effects.
My kids get the nasal spray version.
No way! It is full of toxins and it doesn't even work. Most people who get the shot still get sick. A healthy diet and strong immune system, as well as hand washing (with REGULAR soap) is the best way to prevent illness. I haven't had the flu shot since I was 11 years old, and that was the last year I got the flu. Here is an article about the Center for Disease Control and Prevention admitting that flu shots are failures.
I just got mine this week, I am due with baby #3 in November so I was very happy to get it. I am getting both of my boys, 4 and 19 months theirs next week and again I am really happy about it bc when baby comes in Nov there is just one less thing to worry about. I haven't ever gotten my kids flu shots in the past, just never got around to it, but last year when they both had the flu, twice!, I decided that would be the last time I passed on the flu shot. My mom gets hers every year and hasn't had the flu in ages. Good luck!
My husband has worked with doctors for the last five or so years. They have told him to get it each year and he has. My four children (ages 12, 9, 7 and 5) and I have never had it. Thankfully, each of our children have healthy immune systems and no chronic illnesses (asthma, etc) so each year I re-evaluate, research and put a lot of thought and prayer into the flu shot decision, but have thus far decided not to give it to them.
i gave my children flu shots until this past year. Last year 40% of adults were vaccinated and I dont recall it being a super deadly year and where are the stats of people who died from the flu after getting the flu shot? I hear that thousands die from the flu but never all of them were unvaccinated. My kids and I got quite a few rounds of strep last year but not the flu although I know for a fact we were exposed several times. A healthy diet, vitamins and sleep should keep your body able to fight off a lot of things.
I did for about the first 3 years, but for the last 5 we've skipped it. Now if my son had compromised immune system or athsma or was very young--yes. I've NEVER had a flu shot. I've had the flu about twice in my life. I'm 47. Maybe when I'm in the group of "elderly" I'll start!
This year's flu shot is the same as last years. If your children got the shot last year, they are probably still immune to it this year. We usually get the flu shot, but I don't think we will this year, because it is the same.
My asthmatic child gets a flu shot. My 16 year old has never gotten one and has not been to the doctor for a sick visit since age 4. I can't see taking a risk with her. HOwever, it's too soon to get one at all. Their protection lasts 3-4 months, and peak flu season is Jan-March.
I never did the h1n1 and our family doctor was actually very much opposed to it.
Yes I get the flu shot and both my teenage boys do also. Influenza can be deadly and I'd rather prevent it if I'm able to with the vaccine. The vaccine is not 100% -- nothing is -- but it's an educated prediction of the strains of influenza that are expected for that particular year. Yes, balanced nutrition, water intake, and exercise to keep your child's body healthy are all good prevention, but I think the vaccine is a worthwhile addition to what we already do on a daily basis to stay healthy.
www.kidsbestnutrition.com
Yes, the kids and I all got the flu shot this week. My 3 yr old has asthma and the doctor wants him to get the shot every year. We still get the flu but it's not as severe (and then his asthma is easier to control).
We do all our regular vaccinations, I think vaccines are great and they have saved many lives, but we don't do the flu shot for several reasons. One, it is a guess based upon last years strain of flu, so chances are good it will not even protect against this years strain. Two, whenever my husband gets it (he has no choice, military) it makes him sick. Third, it always makes my boys run a fever. My youngest has a form of JRA were his immune system attacks his joints. Every time he runs a fever he risks further joint damage, so it is simply not worth it for us.
