Do You Do the Flu Shot?

on October 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM

If you vaccinate your child, just a reminder that doctors now recommend the flu shot for kids of ALL ages--6 months through age 18--but especially for older babies and toddlers. Their immune systems are still fragile, upping the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Children 6 months to 2 actually end up in the hospital for the flu as often as seniors over 65, and some of them even die.

Which brings up another reason we should make sure our family is protected, and that includes you, Mom! Babies up to 6 months can't get the shot and are pretty much open targets, so we need to surround them with as many healthy, germ-free people as possible. Even older babies who are between their first and second immunizations are not safe from those nasty flu bugs--just read the tragic story of Ian Moise. (Also see what PregnancyBuzz blogger Melisa has to say about the flu shot for moms-to-be).

If you're worried about vaccines, you should know that a small percentage of shots still do contain traces of mercury. And because there are lots of different opinions about an autism link, you're well within your rights to request a thimerisol-free shot for your child.

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: child care, doctor visits, health, sick days

Comments (9)

leahjoy

on Oct 13, 2008 at 2:32 PM

I'm not, but probably would if my son was in daycare.

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KierstynsMom

on Oct 13, 2008 at 4:42 PM

We did last year and again this year.. We've been in the hospital when she was really little with pneumonia and never want to be there with a serious sickness again.. Request the thermosil free if u worried..but I wished EVERYONE would get it!

fairysurreale

on Oct 13, 2008 at 5:33 PM

I am for both kids. There was a segment on Good Morning America that said that they reccommend anyone who has had issues with Staph infections to get one.

starglo

on Oct 13, 2008 at 8:40 PM

I think I would if my doctor tld me it was a must. I am not a firm believer in the flu shot for myself so I dont feel I should give it to my daughter.
I do agree though that if she were in daycare I might consider it more.

ToddlerBrain82

on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:22 PM

My husband and I opt out of the flu vaccine, and we don't get it for our son either. He is mostly vaccinated otherwise, but we prefer to let our immune systems fight off the flu and leave the vaccinations for more life-threatening ailments.

EZsmom422

on Oct 14, 2008 at 3:48 PM

No to the flu vax and this is why........I believe most of the kids getting really really sick when they get the flu is due to thier diets and not being cared for properly when they r sick. The stuff we put in our bodies now a days greatly effects us and I believe its making sickness worse.....I am NOT pointing my fingers or anything and believe me I am far from perfect but this is what I believe.

Mama0f3grlz

on Oct 15, 2008 at 2:09 PM

My husband and I never got flu shots as children so we're not sure we want our children to. My oldest daughter's school sent a note home saying they recommended all school age children receive the shot and are even offering them at school. I'm going to phone their ped. and see what she suggests but they've never gotten them before.

kjrn79

on Oct 4, 2009 at 11:43 AM

I've had my flu shot and I will get the H1N1 flu shot too. My son is 18, he hasn't made up his mind yet. I think he's just afraid of shots! He works in retail, part time, so if he catches the flu before the busy holiday season, it won't be that big of a deal. I just hate the idea of him being sick though, because he's too big for me to baby anymore.