flu shot?

[SurpriseBub]

Hi!

Just wondering if you are getting the flu shot for your LO? Our pediatrician was adamant it was very important for us as well as our LO to have it.

What advice have you been given? Is it also recommended for infants in places other than the usa? I'm pretty pro vaccine, but always been a bit skeptical of the flu jab.

 

[MindUtopia]

We didn't as it's not offered as standard here in the UK to babies, though I think it is for 2 and 3 year olds, if I'm correct? If it is, yes, we'd probably get it this year (our daughter is 2). We did all have the flu last year and it was pretty horrific and nothing I would wish upon anyone. My daughter had a pretty mild case of it, but my husband and I had it pretty badly (I get the flu shot every year because I'm asthmatic, but the one they made last year actually didn't work for most people, which is why I still got sick). It really was awful. Nearly two weeks of pure misery, but I can only really speak from my own perspective. That said, 40,000 people die in the U.S. each year from the flu, and most of those are children under 5 and the elderly. So it is a significant cause of death and illness and not something to be taken lightly if there is a way to avoid it, but you have to be totally comfortable with your choice whatever you choose. I would just do some reading up on the recommendation and make sure that your ped is following whatever the CDC guidelines are (that your child really is in the recommended age group for it) and what the risks or benefits are, and then just see what you're comfortable with. Like I said, it isn't offered here for babies, but I would probably get it if it was as there is usually good evidence for something if the NHS recommends it.

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

DD has gotten it every time they recommend it, and has escaped the flu (and colds) so far. I'm a wimp when it comes to needles, so I usually chicken out of it except during pregnancy. Hubby has no choice, since his job makes him get it.

We've been told the same - it's important to get it to try and help protect against certain strains.

 

[SurpriseBub]

Thanks for the replies! I am pretty sure we will follow advice and get the shot at our next appt. We would definitely get it to protect LO, I just wish that was enough and LO didn't need to get jabbed, too!

It is very interesting how the guidelines differ from place to place. I was looking up men b here- it is advised for teenagers but not babies. It will be interesting to see if that changes in time to be the same as the uk.