Is it right for my mom to keep me from getting the annual Flu Shot?

I'm 17 and I'm looking to volunteer at my local hospital. My mom is hesitant in letting me get the required vaccines (the flu shot, in particular).

Read this article she sent me: http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/nm/insight-evidence-grows-for-narcolepsy-link-to-gsk-swine-flu-shot#.UP99rAZoOI0.email

[Rhi007]

You're no longer a child, your mind has developed the capability to make decisions and learn from mistakes. If you want or require the flu shot....get it!

Parents don't vaccinate their children because they believe the vaccines cause autism but they keep you from getting diseases.

[Naturally Brilliant, BSN, RN]

You're no longer a child, your mind has developed the capability to make decisions and learn from mistakes. If you want or require the flu shot....get it!

Parents don't vaccinate their children because they believe the vaccines cause autism but they keep you from getting diseases.

But that doesn't address her mom's concerns about not getting the flu shot (d/t that article).

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

From the above article:

The GSK shot was given to more than 30 million people in 47 countries during the 2009-2010 H1N1 swine flu pandemic. Because it contains an adjuvant, or booster, it was not used in the United States because drug regulators there are wary of adjuvanted vaccines.

GSK says 795 people across Europe have reported developing narcolepsy since the vaccine's use began in 2009.

CBS News:June 26, 2012

Death rates from 2009 "swine flu" pandemic 15 times higher than earlier estimates, study finds

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic that swept through several continents took the lives of 18,500 people from April of that year through August 2010 - or so health officials said at the time.

The new estimates were based only on data from countries that hold information on the number of people who developed flu symptoms, as well as the number of respiratory and heart-associated deaths that occurred during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

Using a mathematical model they created, the researchers estimated that there were 284,500 respiratory and cardiovascular deaths (201,200 were respiratory) associated with the 2009 pandemic. The results suggest that 80 percent of the deaths occurred in people younger than 65; typically with seasonal influenza, most of the deaths occur in elderly people. What's more, 51 percent of the deaths occurred in Southeast Asia and Africa - regions that account for 38 percent of the world's population

The global toll however could surpass as many as 575,000 deaths, the researchers said.

30 million persons received this specific vaccine outside the US; 795 have developed Narcolepsy. They are however ALIVE....> 18,500 deaths reported in countries that keep statistics with researchers estimating 284,500 deaths total globally.

Sleep Disorders: Narcolepsy And Idiopathic Hypersomnia

The prevalence of narcolepsy is 0.06% in the United States. The average delay between symptom onset and diagnosis is 10 years

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Thread moved to our Pandemic Flu forum -has many resources for decision making.

This is an issue you should discuss with your Pediatrician/Primary Care Doctor for best advice as they know your health history and can discuss concerns with you mother.

[enuf_already]

You're no longer a child, your mind has developed the capability to make decisions and learn from mistakes. If you want or require the flu shot....get it!

Parents don't vaccinate their children because they believe the vaccines cause autism but they keep you from getting diseases.

Technically and legally she is still a minor.

The study indicates this vaccine was not given in the US. OP, your options are

1) wait until you are 18 to volunteer

2) wait until flu season is over and will not require an immunization for flu

3)get a list of required immunizations. Next time you go to your doctor, take mom along to have a discussion about risks/benefits

As long as you are 17, you most likely need parent permission for vaccines and to volunteer.

Show mom your maturity by gathering your facts and making the decision together. Good luck!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

You need to discuss this with your mother and primary health care provider. You are a minor and your parent must consent on your behalf. As per site terms of service, members can neither request nor offer medical advice. Thread closed.