Question about flu shot

[shelleyd2008]

Not the 'swine flu' shot, just the regular old flu shot. Does it really help? I went to the health department today, and they made an appointment for my son's annual physical. They told me that they should have flu vaccines then, so I could get one for him if I liked.

He did have the flu last year (all the kids in his preschool seemed to have it), so I was just wondering if the vaccine actually does its job? Or is it just a waste of tears to have my little one poked for it?

 

[chickenlittle32]

My youngest son is required to take it bc he's got bad asthma. My other 2 take the flu mist. Since they started taking this (been taking it for years) they have never gotten sick.

 

[keesmom]

I think it's effectiveness will depend on which strains they've chosen to include in the vaccine for this year and which ones actually materialize. Two seasons ago they chose wrong and it was only effecive for 40% of the people who got the shot. The other 60% got sick anyway.

It's a matter of personal choice.

-Cindy in MA

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Boy, you'll hear it both ways on this one.

 

[chickenlittle32]

Maybe even talk to them about the flu mist. No shot. They just inhale it. No worries about sticking them with a needle.

 

[redhen]

I've taken the flu shot and still gotten sick and i've also taken it and not gotten sick...depends on if they innoculate for the right strain that year..I dont get it anymore.. (the flu shot..)

 

[shelleyd2008]

He did have the flu last year, but we caught it very early, so he didn't suffer too much. The doctor gave him that medicine that helps with the symptoms (can't remember the name), so he was only 'sick' for like a day, then he was back to his old self again. Me and my dad neither one got sick.

I don't know, I'm thinking I probably won't, but I just wanted others opinions on it. If it really helps I might, but it seems as if it doesn't really matter either way.

 

[redhen]

Its a tough call...do they have the spray up the nose thingie instead of the needle? That would be easier on him. I hate needles too..

 

[shelleyd2008]

I'm not sure, this is the county health department, so I would seriously doubt it. I'll ask them though, if it would mean him not unnecessarily getting poked I'd do it, it couldn't hurt.

 

[crtrlovr]

Quote:
Are you possibly referring to Tamiflu? (or the generic equivalent?) I am allergic to pneumonia, tetanus, and influenza vaccines so my dr. makes sure I have a current scrip for Tamiflu just in case I'd need it quickly.