Published
I do. A few years ago we had several children in our town die of the flu; regular healthy kids. The shots are free and I had to go in myself. I also don't want to take flu germs riding on my uniform to my immuno-compromised patients.
My kids range from screamers (from the car) to hardly noticing. Fortunately the NP that gave us all our shots had worked in a children's hospital so she wasn't fazed by my rather large (and quite vocal) group.
My kids got the flu vaccine as well, albeit for rather selfish reasons. Between work, school and travel, it would be very difficult for us to stay home for a long period of time with sick kids.
My youngest is a screamer. She got the mist. My oldest would take either without a problem. I had her get the shot because she was heading out of town on a 2-day field trip and i didn't want her to be shedding the flu virus around her unsuspecting teachers and classmates.
My 4 year old grandchild has had one every year since age 1. She is in daycare and the flu would go through it like a forest fire. I had the Hong Kong flu over 30 years ago, only true influenza I have ever had. There are other viruses that go around that we all call the flu, but let me tell you they don't hold a candle. Thank goodness I was young and strong when I got it. I doubt if I would make it at my current age and state of health. As soon as the flu shots became avaliable I started getting them every year. Took my kids to get them when they were young and nag them now they are grownups till they get them.
Check with their PCP about the FluMist. The risk of shedding the virus is considered much less than it was previously. In fact, at the children's hospital where I work, staff members were allowed to get the mist this year even if they would be working in the days following it administration.
i had the asian flu, i have never been so sick in my life, was three months gestation, that child has had schizophrenia, one shrink told me that this was not uncommon in children born to women with this particular flu..another shrink said he had never heard of it
i always got the shot and encouraged others to do so also
I did get the flu shot for my 1 yr old (twice ) and believe it or not, I had to search around because my pediatrician did not offer the preservative free...
Anyway, a coworker of mine (nurse) recently told me that she heard that getting the flu vaccine yearly would help to build up immunity if there were ever a pandemic outbreak of influenza. I didn't ask where she heard this, but I'm wondering if anyone else has heard something similar...
MA Nurse
676 Posts
Did you get flu shots for your kids? I got one for myself. My 13 yo daughter hates shots, to the point of almost passing out...my middle daughter doesn't care for them much and they're both telling me they would rather get sick than get the shot! I am the only one in my home that got the shot so far.
They aren't in a high risk category for needing the shot...so what have you done if you have kids?
I'm not sure what to do.