'Flu jab for 3 year old

jellyhead

In 18 (?) years of flu jabs I've only had flu once, and that was the year I didn't go for a jab. Swine flu didn't count as I had it in the July before vaccines were around iirc. I still don't feel I've recovered from the pleurisy I had after swine flu 4 years ago so I'll always get the jab for myself. I'm asthmatic and I don't want to take the risk.

My GP says the reason people feel ill after getting a flu jab is probably because they've been sat in a surgery full of ill people.

I've never taken my children for flu jabs and my husband doesn't get one either. I suppose some of you might think it's selfish to only had the person who is at risk of complications.

Wyre

According to the morning news show, this is just a prelude to the spray/jab being offered to all 2-17 year olds in future years.

Cat2011

pukkamum wrote: »

But the bigger picture is that until they roll out a mass free vaccination programme chances are you will come across someone with flu.
I'm not against the flu vaccination per se.

The government are planning on offering it to all 2-16 year olds eventually, they're just starting with 2-3 yr olds whilst the logistics are sorted out.

It's not cost effective for everyone to have the vaccine.

floralaura

kingfisherblue wrote: »

My son is due to have his flu jab tomorrow. He is vulnerable as he has asthma and regularly gets chest infections between October and April. He also has Down's Syndrome and has had pneumonia twice.

I wasn't aware until I read this thread that a nasal spray is available. My son is needle phobic, but sometimes has a nasal spray to loosen mucus, so a spray would be much better for him. I'm going to ask if he can have this instead of a jab. Even if we have to reschedule the appointment, I would prefer this to having a hysterical teenager who doesn't understand why a doctor is sticking a needle in him.

So, thank you to those who have mentioned nasal sprays - I wouldn't have known about them otherwise.

Sorry to disappoint but on our leaflet it says those with Asthma/Recurrent wheeze cant have the spray

Edit-just had a quick google to check I wasnt imagining it (sleep deprived lol) and came across

http://allergies.about.com/od/fa1/f/flumistasthma.htm

Edit again as just went and found my leaflet..


The leaflet itself says-

Nasal not recommended for
6-23MTHS
Severe Asthmatics/those with a wheeze on the day
pregnant
on long term asprin
allergic to eggs

And that after having the nasal spray they should avoid contact with anyone with a weak immune system for 1-2 weeks

heartbreak_star

I still maintain if kids aren't fully vaccinated, they shouldn't be allowed to go to public schools, nurseries etc. Why should some poor immunocompromised kid have to suffer because you were too selfish to vaccinate your kid?

HBS x

Person_one

heartbreak_star wrote: »

I still maintain if kids aren't fully vaccinated, they shouldn't be allowed to go to public schools, nurseries etc. Why should some poor immunocompromised kid have to suffer because you were too selfish to vaccinate your kid?

HBS x

Co-erced consent is not particularly ethical.

I agree with your general sentiment, but there are lines we can't cross.

heartbreak_star

Person_one wrote: »

Co-erced consent is not particularly ethical.

I agree with your general sentiment, but there are lines we can't cross.

Oh, I know it would never happen really, and it is pretty darned harsh on the kids, but it is my general feeling.

Antivaxxers give me a knee-jerk :mad: reaction - usually I'm a bit more easy going!

HBS x