Seeking Advice on Weather or Not to Give Baby Flu Shot.

I would totally get it. Flu can be dangerous, especially in babies and elderly. And after last year's strain, I think it's the smart thing to do. Compared to the other shots they get, the flu shot isn't that big of a deal as far as pain goes! :-)

I have three children and do not give them flu shots and never have. My understanding is that the flu shots all still contain thimersol (mercury) as the preservative. The amount of mercury in one flu shot exceeds the level of recommendation for safety by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). What this means is that there is a certain amount of mercury that is considered a "safe" level by the EPA standards and then amounts that are considered toxic and dangerous. Babies are especially vulnerable to toxicity as they are far smaller than we are and therefore exposure to these amounts are even more dangerous. Mercury is a known neurotoxin and builds up in the nervous system. I personally would never give my baby or child a shot or anything else that knowingly contained a neurotoxin, not to mention the vast other ingredients that are within the shot. I would highly recommend researching the flu shot further for the list of ingredients and see what you are really giving your baby. Is the small chance of getting the flu really worth the risks of the shot?
Good luck

My daughter is 5 years old and she has been getting the flu shot since she was 6 months old. She has never had a problem with it, has never gotton the flu from it. I think that it is a good thing to get your daughter one, especially since she will be aroung other children at you work.

I would strongly suggest that you read, "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Sears, it gives the most logical approach to the vaccine question that I've read. It's not anti or pro, he just gives you all the facts so you can make an informed decision. I personally don't do flu shots, I've never had one and I don't get them for my child.

We have never given our kids the flu shot. I feel that unless they are prone to sickness or around people a lot who are prone to sickness, it really isn't worth it. Some of the side effects can be miserable and there is still a chance that she will get the flu since they can't get all of the flu strains into the vaccine that are floating around in the air. Our girls have always been healthy so it has never been a big issue for us.

A.,
I am no doctor, but I personally have not given either of my babes the flu shot, and I'll be perfectly honest, I'm glad I haven't. We all got a bad round of the stomach flu last Feb. (which was not the flu that there were vaccines for!). Other than that, they've been very healthy. And I just recently heard that flu shots in the KC area have recently contained Mercury that has made people react. Don't remember on which station I heard that (the nightly news somewhere), and then there was no further follow-up ... makes me think the vaccine companies did all they could to prevent the story from airing. Anyhow, I still don't trust pharmaceutical companies to disclose all of the information that parents may need to make a completely informed decision on the flu shot (remember, the docs get kickbacks from the companies whose vaccines they promote!!). Just another side to think about,
K.

Hi A.,

I have 4 children and we all DO get flu shots. We have been sick before with influenza a couple years ago and it was MISERABLE AND SCARY when your children are young. And, when you have influenza it doesn't just go away like the 24 hour stomach flu it LASTS AND HANGS ON FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN GIVE YOUR CHILD TO MAKE IT BETTER EXCEPT INFANT TYLENOL AND LOTS OF LOVE. Plus, they DO recommend it especially for children, the elderly and even pregnant women as long as they are not in their 1st trimester.

I've read the other responses and understand their concern about Mercury but for children 2 and under your pediatrician is able to give them a dose WITHOUT Mercury in it. Kids older than 2 have to get the other version or get the flu mist at our pediatrician's office. We have never gotten the flu from a flu vaccine as it is not an active form of the virus. If you get the flu mist, it does contain live virus and the same side effects apply with the addition of a possible stuffy nose so I hear. We haven't even gotten the mist. The only side effects we've had from the shot was soreness in our arm for a day or so.

You do have to do what is right for YOU and your family. And, prior to having children I admit me and my husband didn't ever get them. But, after having kids and our older children bringing home germs from school or even being able to pick something up from Walmart because you touched a shopping cart that someone else just used who was sick...well, I figure it's better to get a quick shot than the alternative. So many people take themselves and their green, snot-nosed kids out in public and spread their germs when they don't bother to cover their mouths when they cough so since so many people are inconsiderate...it's up to me protect my children and family the best way I know how. You can't stop living just to avoid the fear of getting sick.

But of course, different strokes for different folks! Best Wishes and just be comfortable with whatever decision you make. Good news is that even if you decided to get it this year and not the next or vice versa...you're not locked into doing it every year and it is a personal choice. My opinion is that if people who have the flu would stay home when they're sick than it wouldn't spread so bad and then we wouldn't need a vaccination. Also, my pediatrician did recommend that if I got it for my children that I should also get one too. It defeats the purpose if I get sick and expose them. Take care!

I would really consider doing it. It is what the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends.....I feel like they probably know best.

Please visit this website and make the best decision for your children. http://www.iansrainbow.org/

A.,

I personally would not give my baby a flu shot. And it's not that I'm "anti-vaccine" I just think there are a lot more cons than pros.
My kids are 18 and 14. I am a registered nurse and married 20 years. No one in my family has ever had a flu shot. We are fairly healthy and rarely sick.
Having said all that, I always tell people that you need to do what you think is best for you and your family.

In good health,

Lori Krause
www.YourKitchenCoach.net

I know most people have so far told you not to get the shot. I have a 15 month old little girl, and she received one last year and one this year. She had a little tenderness, but after a day she was fine. It makes me feel better, since she is in daycare and can come in contact with a lot of germs. She has done great and didn't get sick at all last winter. She was 6 months when she got her first flu shot. Just remember on issues like this you will have a ton of different views. Just got with your gut and do what is best for your family.