Flu Shot - Apopka,FL

Here is my personal oppinion. We just moved here from Washington state & at home they did not push the flu shot like they do here. I don't beleive in getting the shot for my kids, 7 & 9 or for myself or husband. When these shots first came out & I wondered if I or my kids should get them their Doctor said that the only people that need the shot, are those who are older, or have medical issues. If you have issues getting sick often, have diabetes, and other health issues, you should get them. Otherwise, you need to build up the immunities that our bodies automatically build by allowing ourselves to get sick once in a while. Sometimes those shots cause you to get the flu off the bat b/c they are injecting you with a flu type virus...from what I understand. So I would not do anything that you as a mom feel uncomfortable about. I do not & will not ever get the shot & will not allow my kids to get it either. We are all healthy so there is really no reason. I am actually supprised your dr is pushing it b/c mine said absoluntely not do they need it. Do what you feel is right.

HI Amy
I am not one for vaccinations; injecting poisons in to our children being "hopefull" rather than resolute! I am all about building their immune system...with nutrition and supplements and might I add...my five kids have NEVER taken on the flu...in the public school system, around EVERYONE! I have never weakened their immune system by injections...as a result they thrive and their bodies fight off sickness...if they start to show signs of weakness...I double up! Medicine will NEVER be able to determine the strand of the flu virus...they simply pick 2-3 and hope and pray they are right! It's a moving target! You are better served to strength your kid's immune system rather than potentially weakening it in the HOPES of prevention! A strong body will ward off disease much easier than in a weakened state. Hope that helps! I know its controversial...so all I can speak from is what has worked for me and my kids...living it and research! It's very eye-opening when you start to study on your own....cause and effect!

Don't do it. You are correct in thinking that it probably won't keep them from getting the flu anyway and you should carefully read about the ingredients in a flu shot. Not to mention other vaccinations. Please do the research and make an educated decision. Don't feel pressured by the fears of society.

Amy, I had a similar experience several years ago, but with myelf. Actually, twice I've gotten the flu shot, and twice I've gotten sick. Since then, I have refused to get the shot & have not gotten sick. I have also refused the flu shot for my son--I don't care how hard the dr pushes, if you have had bad experiences with it, skip it. That's your right as their mother.

My son, husband, and I got really sick with the Flu last season and based on our Doctor he said that if you have had teh Flu you will be more susceptible to get it again.

So, we all have gotten the Shot. Remember that side effects from teh Vaccines are shown with the first 34-48 hours of dose.

I read that the flu shots that are available this year ARE for the right strain this time. I got my kids their flu shots after having mastitis a couple months ago (they say it feels like having the flu, only with a very sore breast as well!). I think being sick for 2 days is definitely preferable to having the flu for 7-10 days!!! :)

Kids and the elderly are most a risk for getting complications from the flu--which includes death. And the real influenza=not just a bad cold--is horrible. I had it in college. It comes on like a tons of bricks and you are sick, sick, sick, feeling like you are going to die, for over a week and not really well for 2-3 weeks. I've gotten a flu shot since then and haven't gotten the flu.
And kids just aren't that hygienic so as you know with other things--they catch everything.
In my opinion, the possible side effects of the flu shot are far better than getting the flu--or side effects--pneumonia, etc.
Regarding last years flu shot, yes, it wasn't as affective as they normally are because they have to create the "formula" for it far in advanced predicting what flu strains will be predominant that year-and they were off last year--but it still covered some of the strains. My family got it, and we didn't catch any flu.
So as you can probably guess, I think people at risk should get it (kids, teachers, elderly, healthcare workers) I get one too because my son is 3 and I am around a lot of children his age because of that.
You shouldn't get the shot if you are allergic to eggs or pregnant.
Here's a detailed article about the shot you may want to read.
http://www.medicinenet.com/flu_vaccination/article.htm

In my opinion, it depends on your girls' immune systems. Do they catch "everything" that goes around their schools? If not, I'd opt not to do the flu shots. With the exception if either have any respiratory issues. My pediatrician highly recommends the flu shot in that case. I chose not to give our kids the shots last year or this year. I can say that I feel so blessed that neither have ever gotten the flu, thank God! If you do opt out...make sure you are extremelely diligent with washing their hands with soap and water. Especially before meals, or any other time their hands may come in contact with their mouths. Again, this is just my opinion and I am NOT a doctor. Each case is different and if your children seem to pick up a lot of things...then I would get the shot. Good luck to you whatever you choose to do. Say a prayer and God will direct you. Love, B. ~ married over 14 years to a great man/Daddy and SAH Mommy of almost 4 year old b/g twins.