D.B.
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hi everyone--
my 2.5 year old is starting a 2x/week preschool, and i want to get her a flu shot sooner rather than later. i am just concerned since this is the first time she will be really exposed to lots of other kids (i'm sure she will get many a cootie this season, so if i could avoid a biggie, that would be helpful!) i called her doc's office, and they said that they usually get-- and expect to get this season-- the shots in by early november.
however, i've already heard of other children who received the shot already. does anyone know where else i could get the shot for her? cvs doesn't offer flu shots for kids, and my doc's office doesn't have it for kids (i'm getting my shot in 2 weeks). i know a lot of doc offices save their shots for actual patients (understandably), but is there any other recourse for me?
i understand that giving one's children vaccinations/flu shots is a very individualized decision, but i am completely on board with my child getting a flu shot, so no need to tell me it is not necessary :).
thanks so much!
thanks everyone! i was about to call the dept of health when i decided to try the doc's office one more time-- and now they have the shots. so she will be getting hers soon. of course, she now has her first official cold from preschool, as do i :(... thanks again for your suggestions.
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You might check your local health department.
November is fine. It's the beginning of the flu season anyway. Some people feel that if they get their shot now, it won't be effective in March (which is the end of the flu season). So it will be fine.
I'm getting my daughter's today because they office has them and if I don't, they might run out.
And I agree with Theresa N. Expect lots of colds this year - for you too!! Sorry, but you'll both build some immunity up. Her more so than you :( And start the habit of washing hands immediately when you come home. And better yet, keep a container of antibacterial hand wipes in the car next to her car seat and use them as soon as you pick her up.
They normally don't do flu shots until November and even December around here. No idea why because Walgreens has starting pushing flu shots for almost a month already.
Try Walmart or Walgreens if you have one in where you live. Some of these places will not give kids shots until they are 3.
I'm sure there's more than 1 pediatrician in your area. Get the names/number of your friends' peds and see if their office will give your child the shot. As long as your insurance covers it elsewhere and the office takes your insurance, you can go to whatever doctor you want!
Health department, local drug and grocery stores may have them too
Good luck!
I think this depends on where you are.
Our area usually has flu shots stocked and distributing by Oct.
This year they are here early - the signs 'Flu shots are here' started showing up in store and pharmacy windows the last week in August.
I don't have any official stats on the subject, but it's been my experience with my family that the earlier we get flu shots, the earlier they wear off. Over all, over the past 20 years (my kids are 19, 17, 14), our sickest month of the year has been March. I wait until late Oct early Nov for flu shots now.
However, I'd like to point out that flu shot or no flu shot(and whatever month you get it in), every child will be at their sickest the FIRST year they go to preschool/daycare, then it should level off.
:)
My granddaughter's have already received them, 4 year old got the nose treatment and the 1-1/2 got her shot, both done at the pediatritian's office.
Your local health department, hospital, walgreens, walmart.
I was going to suggest the health department. Most of them have several clinics in places like shopping malls, community centers, etc. The cost (around here anyway) is usually between $5-$20, depending upon whether you have insurance, or whether you are low-income, etc. Our insurance company doesn't have their clinics starting until October 1. I'd rather have my kids get their flu shots before then, but I guess it's only a few more weeks. :-/ You are correct that getting your child the flu shot will help. Getting one less flu/cold during the season IS a help, especially that first year when they catch every little sniffle that comes along!
I am not on board with them, myself, but since you are you might try the health dept, and wallgreens.
in the mean time, i recomend buffered vitaan c powder (or Emergen-C, they sell is at most drug store sand wall mart) in some juice every morning.
We used to get them later in the year (oct/nov) but my oldest got the flu one October and after missing a week of school, being hospitalized, needing steroids, and a neb every 2 hrs I'm all set with reliving that. They now get them in late august we haven't had a problem with it wearing off too soon.
Most pharmacies around here don't do them unless you're over 18. Maybe try your board of health
Your child's doctor has them for children that need them first. Those with immune issues, asthma ect and those that live with them. Everyone else gets them after.