Last month Michael had his first of four appointments for a flu shot study that I have enrolled him in. Basically the gist of the study is that Canada and Britain use two different amounts of the shot for children and yet there has never been any sort of study to tell which amount is more useful. So both Michael and Josiah are enrolled in the study, but so far only Michael has actually had the shot. We were waiting until Josiah was 6 months because that was the minimum age requirement for the study and Im thinking also for the shot itself. Maybe?
This afternoon we were supposed to go back for blood work and whatever else for Michael and the actual flu shot for Josiah. But then this morning Michael woke up with a fever and hasn't yet eaten a thing or moved from the couch. So I cancelled the appointment. Now Im wondering if I should even go through with the whole thing for Josiah. At first I was all 'Hell ya, free flue shots!' But now Im questioning if it might not be a good thing at that young of an age? I don't know much about all of this but I do trust the doctor and I've read all of the literature that they gave me.
Next week Josiah will receive his six month immunizations and if I go through with it, his flu shot as well. Is that too much? It wont all be on the same day but maybe its just not the right time for him. This is all time sensitive as well so Michael has to go in next week period. If Josiah doesn't get his shot next week, then I don't think I would do it because who wants to make two monthly trips to the doc?
So I am asking you wise internets for your opinions. Do you or have you ever given your children the flu shot? Is six months too young? And, is it too much to have the six month shots as well as the flu shot in one week? And...go!
6 comments:
I have never had a flu shot. I have also never had the flu. I have had a few colds that kicked my butt, but never, to my knowledge, the actual flu.
I have no children, but if I did I doubt I would get flu shots for them either. I just think the less we medicate the better off we are.
I've had the flu shot the last couple of years since they urge women who are trying and are pregnent to get one. Other then that, I don't get them.
As for kids, I'm not sure. Yeah it makes sence to protect them, but do we want to compromise thier immunity to colds and such. I'm not sure. I wish I could help!
I've never had the flu shot, and I've never had the flu. Every year, I say that I'm going to get Kaeli the shot. I've never given it to her, and she's never had the flu either. (I'm knocking on wood as I type this.)
It's a tough call. I'm inclined not to do it because we have been fine. I'm not sure if the fact that we have warmer winters than y'all has any effect.
I guess I'm no help because I'm totally mixed. I get the idea behind protecting children, but I also think we rely on medication too much.
This was a long rambling way to say that I have no idea!!!
Hey, I've been lurking for a week or two. I've always had mine because I have asthma. My kids have always had theirs because the flu can be dangerous for kids. If it were me I'd get it done...
Sometimes I ask myself which decision will cause me more mommy-guilt! If I don't get them the shot, how bad will I feel if they get really sick with flu-related complications. Not sure if that's entirely healthy thinking but it's what I do! Ultimately you have to do what you feel is best!
My son, in his almost 3 years, has never gotten a flu shot. I just don't see it as a huge thing. I've never gotten one myself either. Tough call though. I guess to me it's just an unnecessary shot.
My kids have gotten a flu shot until this year. Josie had asthma when she was younger, but since she's grown out of it, I haven't been as strict about it this time. I only bothered to get one if I could get it at the pediatrician, as I used to be able to before we moved to this part of the state. I worry that going to the doctor's office is like asking for the latest and greatest in stomach viruses. BUT, we never had a problem with the shots, and I think it's fine to get them.
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