Flu Mist...??...

you can read about it here...
http://www.flumist.com/
In years past, i, too, have had the flumist myself, and 2 of my kids have had it. but i was told by my dr. that you had to be 5 yrs old to have the flumist. maybe because of the live virus, or maybe because a younger child can't be counted on to inhale it properly. funny, because i requested it this year for my 2 oldest (ages 6 and 8) and was told the mist was not available...only the shot. boy oh boy, did they complain!!! they much prefer the mist over a horrible shot!!! (their words!!)

K.

Childrens flu shots contain murcury and like any other vaccine -comes with risks and are not 100% effective. You may want to focus on making sure your child isn't over-loaded with homogonized milk and sugar products - keeping the child healthy and well-nourished so that they can build natural immunity to things such as the flu - the safe way.

Our doctor told us the mist did not have live virus.

The flu mist is only recommended for people ages 5-49. The shot would be the safest method. I have had the flu mist myself for the past 3 years (I work at a military clinic) and only this year did I get whacked in the butt. By the end of the day I was running 102 degree fever (as were my two co-workers who also got it that morning). I was near delirium by the time I got home. By day 2, I felt a little better but still had a fever. Like everyone said below, the flu mist IS a LIVE VIRUS (whereas the shot is a synthetic virus). But if you are talking about your 13 month old, then no, the mist is not recommended. Hope this helps.

The flu mist is a nasal vaccine. It's supposed to be safe in kids, but I wouldn't go with it. The difference between it and the shot is that the flu mist gives you live virus, instead of dead virus, like the shot does. That means his chances of actually getting the flu from the vaccine is much higher than getting the shot. I'd stick with the flu shot, or forgoe it.

Hi A.,
This nasal spray version is better. It doesn't have Mercury. My mom is a pediatrician and only recommends this version for kids. Plus its painless. My daughter has been getting the mist since she was 2. She is now 4. No adverse effects.

it is a nasal spray instead of a shot to vaccinate against influenza. it does contain live virus, whereas the shot contains dead virus. which is why some people cannot take it, such as pregnant women.

It's the same as a flu shot, just a different method of delivery. Every flu vaccine has at least 5 different strains of the LIVE virus, so your risk of getting sick are the same with the shot as the inhaled vaccine.

I agree with Deveri H. So many mothers dont read enough about vaccines. Vaccines do not = immunity. Especially Flu shot! Now im just stating my opinion, and the choice is yours but there are so many strains of the virus there is no guarantee. I feel natural immunity is also healthiest along with excellent eating and good hygiene.

I am not sure what the deal is the with mist.. but Their are sooo many places to go get shots.. Call health department.. or call the clinic in town some do the infant shots.. Josh got his first shot at carle clinic... and 2nd will be at health depatment... * His wellness benifits are used up for the year so I have to pay... I did not want to get it in the office!!!

But all this talk about how bad the flu bills are if you get it.. Ya.. I am glad We got the 1st one done and waiting the month for the 2nd!!!

Hey A.!! It is absolutely alright. My husband is in the military and that is what they give to all of the active duty members. I would rather have the mist than the shot. Less painful. Hope that helps.

~S.

Your child does not meet the criteria - the minimum age is 5. I got the flumist, as did my kids and we love it. It lasts for a year, rather than 3 months. The problem with the vaccine this year is that the children's doses are only made by 2 companies, and it took longer to "cook' the vaccine this year. I work in a pedes office, and we just got our shipment last Friday. Keep looking for the vaccine if you want to get it; it's just a little later this year, which still conforms to the CDC guidelines.

no, but they have so many new things for colds and flu season. They got this one you just swab with a Q tip in your nose, go figure. Trusting in your caregiver is important. If you don't , get a second opinion

My pediatrician said they had to be 5 before receiving Flumist(a nasal spray version of the flu shot), so my 2 & 4 year old both received shots this year. I know that my nieces and nephew, ages 6 and up, were able to get flumist and my younger niece, 2, had to get the shot. I would check further before using flumist on a child younger than 5.

I have never heard of it either

i heard that it is a mist that is sprayed in the nose as if it was saline spray. i'm not for sure because thats what i heard

A.,

Several years ago when there was a great shortage of the flu vacine shots, I got the mist for my daughter. There was a great outbreak and even deaths in children from the flu in Colorado and my daughter was going there to visit her father. Since the shot wasn't available we did the mist. I have to say it was easier on her than the shot. We didn't have any adverse reactions to it either. The mist vacine was really new when we did it so I would say that it's been around long enough now that it would be a great option.

I hope this helps you. Good luck.