Flu Shot...

I would suggest doing some research online to learn all sides of the issue in making an informed decision. I often use www.babycenter.com which has many articles from pediatricians and other medical professionals.

From all that I've learned of the flu shot, it is safe. The shot is not an active living virus, (which I had originally heard it was). The nasal spray vaccines are the ones with a weakened live virus, but children under the age of 5 are not allowed to take this form. Complications from the flu virus in children are far more severe than in an adult, that is why I vaccinate my family - including us parents:)

Hope this helps!
S.

Good Morning K.~

My Husband, Daughter and I get our flu shots regularly. It seems to really work for us. I have never gotten sick from it and not gotten sick with the flu through the year. Doing research and coming to your own conclusions is the best bet, but just letting you know, we have never had a problem. Also if a young child gets the flu, it is hard on them...and you. Make a pros and cons list if you may. Good Luck.
S.

Well, I have never had the flu so to me getting the flu shot seems a bit silly since I've made it 32 years without ever having had the flu. My daughter is 9, we discovered a year and a half ago that she is severely allergic to Thimerosal. There is thimerosal in the flu shot according to my doctor and so she Can't ever have the shot.

My daughters, both 4, and I have always gotten the flu shot and been fine with it. Last year my huband did not get it and he got so sick with the flu he was in the hospital 3 days. So, I am in favor of it and we already have ours scheduled.
Hope this helps.

K.

I get my kids flu shots 2 yrs and 5 yrs and so far we've had no cases of the flu in this family. we have ours scheduled for next week.

Hi K.. I'm in the medical profession, have been for 12 years. I've worked in many different areas of medicine, including family practice. I have NEVER taken a flu shot even when they're offered to me free of charge through my employer. My children do not get them either. While we all know the flu isnt fun, its not deadly to the average healthy person. Elderly can be a different story. My feelings on the flu shot are not positive. Any medical professional will tell you there is no guarantee it will prevent you from getting the flu. Its a shot in the dark on getting the right flu strain that will circulate during the flu season. Its hit or miss. I dont find it worth the possible risk of side effects for something that might or might not help us avoid the flu. I agree that everyone buys into the trend. Just my two cents lol.

I would think there's a lot less risk from the shot than from the flu (at that age...). My doctor highly recommends it and we're getting ours next week.

I would suggest you going over to Mothering.com and looking in their discussion section. There is lots of info over there. I don't do any vaxes. I don't believe in them. If you look at the CDCs very own info it doesn't show vaccines working. The flu vaccine still uses mercury which is something your body CANNOT get rid of. Look for answers on your own and be aware of the person who is giving you the info. If they make money off it you bet they will tell you that you should get it.

I haven't done my homework on the flu shot...but here are some things to throw in the thinking pot...

I haven't had the flu in over 32 years and either have my three grown children...BUT...we were a vitamin taking (healthy ones...not the junky ones found on store shelves), little white flour, little sugar family. Did you know that 10 grams of sugar can lower a child's immune system 99% for 48 hours?

And - we were on a regular sleep schedule...getting enough sleep. My late teen children would still go to bed at a decent hour on their own.

Eating whole grains, fresh fruit, good protein, takeing quality vitamins, getting enough sleep and getting excercise can eliminate a lot of commonly accepted immune system problems. Maybe our genes are healthy...but I have had the privilege of seeing other folks lives changed when they change these things.

And - my dad almost lost his life with Guillin Barre and the flu shot (in the elderly) is one of the suspected precursors to that disease.

Just some food for thought...

K. 'm also curious.I have 3 children 12, 3, and 17 months...my husband, oldest daughter or myself have never had the flu so i'm not sure that i want the shot or give it to my youngest ones.. I stay at home with my two youngest but my oldest and my husband always leave the house so I wonder why we would need it instead of them....so i hope someone can enlighten me