Moms- Did you/will you get flu shot for your baby?

PenguinGirl06

Even though I've read and been told that it's not the vaccine causing it, both times I got the flu shot, I got VERY sick from it- almost like I got the flu. ? I am just worried about this happening to Ben too. ?I trust my pedi and she recommends it. ?We have followed their immunization schedule as well, so I don't know why the flu shot makes me nervous...Also, he's never had eggs, so I'm a little nervous about a possible reaction.

Did you/will you get it for your baby? ?If so, does it "hurt" them more than other vaccines? (cause I know it hurt ME like hell). ?Any reactions? ?Did baby appear to get sick after? ?TIA

Mrs.Darah

This is actually very relevant to us right now. In the middle of all the drama with Molly, Alex had his 18 mo. appt. with his MD (who is also ours).  Alex is not going to get the shot. However, Matt and I will be. Matt is going to try to get it shortly now that it seems like Molly may start behaving and stay in for a while.  I have to talk to my MD about when I should get it as far as whether it's after she comes or before, b/c I can't remember what he had said at the appt.  I actually have never gotten a flu shot since i generally do not get sick, so we'll see.

lldags

I am curious as to what others say here as well.  Ryan IS allergic to eggs so we are not sure what to do.  My pedi said that Johns Hopkins did a study with babies/kids who were allergic to egg, they all got the flu vaccine and none of them reacted.  I also need to call the allergist and have him weigh in.  I think the benefits of it far outweigh the risks though - if babies get the flu it can be very bad, as opposed to the chance that the flu vaccine makes them sick for a few days.  I am definetley interested in what others think....

Mrs.Darah

I should probably add that if we had Alex in a daycare program, we would definitely be getting him a flu shot. But we had no trouble with him last winter and he didn't get one then, either, so we don't plan on getting him one now.

JustCallMeMrs.P

We're going to the Pedi's office tomorrow where I will ask their opinion. I know realistically the risk of actually catching the flu is higher than having side effects from the shot, but it still scares me. I'm interested to see what the doc has to say.

PenguinGirl06

Mrs.Darah:

I should probably add that if we had Alex in a daycare program, we would definitely be getting him a flu shot. But we had no trouble with him last winter and he didn't get one then, either, so we don't plan on getting him one now.

Heather, you obviously know that Ben is home with me- BUT, Larry is a teacher, so he comes into contact with and brings home lots of germs (at least I think so). ?Do you think that's reason enough? (I'm leaning towards getting it, but am just scared...) ??

MrsNich

Good question...I don't know!  I am scared.  I really don't like vaccinations but Jack does go to daycare so it probably be best.  I hate the idea though.  I have never had the flu shot!  I am going to talk to his pedi soon to see what he says...UGH! 

Mrs.Darah

I think that's a really good question to ask your pedi.  My MIL teaches, but at a college level.  We didn't have a problem with Alex last year that I can remember, but then again, the level of interaction with her was lower than what I would expect Ben would have with his dad. I don't really know that I can advise you on this one.

PenguinGirl06

Mrs.Darah:

I think that's a really good question to ask your pedi.? My MIL teaches, but at a college level.? We didn't have a problem with Alex last year that I can remember, but then again, the level of interaction with her was lower than what I would expect Ben would have with his dad. I don't really know that I can advise you on this one.

Oh, pedi def. recommends it- I was just looking for opinions from other moms. ?I just worry because I know everyone says you don't get sick from a flu shot- but I did- vomiting, fever, chills, aches and laid up in bed for a few days at a time BOTH times I got it. ?So, I won't be getting it. ?But I'm thinking we will do so for Ben, at this point.?

Mrs. Nicolian

I haven't really thought too much about it actually. I wasn't planning on it. I never ever get one for myself... I don't know. I guess we will have to talk to  his Dr. about it.

HappySchmappyII

Brady got it last year, only because he was going in for a reg apt anyway.  The flu shot was WAY easier than the other vaccinations.  I think the needle was smaller and he barely cried. No adverse reactions Brenna will most likely get it as she is scheduled to get reg shots next month anyway.  I don't think Brady will be getting it this year only because he doen't have a reg apt.  I have never gotten it (even when I was pregnant)

tmp-62868

No. I got the shot for myself once several years ago and I was so sick, I was practically begging for death. So, I choose to skip it for myself and my kids. Gabby's been in daycare a couple winters now and, other than colds, hasn't caught anything (i.e HFM, conjunctivitis, or bronchitis) that's gone around the center. Aidan won't be in daycare this winter and I'm really not worried about what Gabby brings home.

Mindy-lou

Yes, Owen got his flu shot last year & will be getting it again this year.  Actually, he will always get it b/c of his heart & asthma.  I also get one every year b/c of my asthma & stomach problems.  DH didn't get one last year & had the actual flu (tested positive for influenza) & was miserable!  He might get one this year.

 B/c it was his first flu shot last year, O's was broken up into 2 doses.  The first dose was w/ his 6 month shots.  The second was 2 weeks later (I believe) & was easy!  Not a peep out of him!

I used to work for a company that gives corporate flu shots, so I do have some facts:

The needle for a flu shot is actually very small, it should hurt less than most shots.

You CAN NOT get the flu from a flu shot.  It is not a live virus (flumist is different)!  However, it takes 2 weeks for the flu shot to reach peak effectiveness.  So, if you have already been exposed or are exposed w/in that 2 week window, you may still develop the flu.  Generally, your symptoms & duration will be less.

 The flu shot generally protects against what are predicted to be the 2 most common forms of influenza that season.  It is possible that you could contract a different strand.  In that case, your symptoms are still likely to be less than w/o the shot.

The other thing that is important to remember is what the actual flu is.  It isn't an upset stomach for a day or two.   Influenza is 7-10 off fevers, all over body aches, coughs, chills, headaches, etc, barely able to get off the couch.

P.S--It is recommended that pg women, all children & their caregivers receive their flu shot.