[Wisdom]

Our DS had the first half of his flu shot last month and is due for the second half tomorrow. I'm thinking of not taking him to get the second shot tomorrow. After the first shot he got a cold that lasted a week and I don't want that to happen again. Plus, I really don't think he needs a flu shot. My question: since he had the first part of the flu shot, will it be medically okay for him not to get the second shot?

[Stormster]

Wisdom, same here! E had his first one last month and his second today (same day as your DS). There's a good reason the first shot is done twice. I'm def going to do it. I've had the flu and know how devastating it can be. The month in between gives their bodies time to recover and I don't want E getting the flu.

I also wanted to add: I'm not sure how old your baby is but E is 16 months in about a week (we just missed the cutoff for the shot last year). E has had at least 11 BAD colds in his first 14 months. They started at 5 months when we flew to England (flying is probably worse than a flu shot in terms of making a baby sick in my experience!) and were on and off pretty much alternating weeks until about a month ago. Well something must have kicked in with his immune system because he hasn't even had a sniffle in a month which is huge for him.

my point is, They are going to get colds and sniffles. It's the only way to boot their immune system. If it doesn't happen now it will happen as soon as they start daycare or school.

I dont' suggest skipping the shot.

[DPline]

I PMed one of the doctors here the other day because I didn't understand the two shot thing. Her response was that for kids 9 and under, the first year they get the flu vaccine (no matter what version) they are supposed to get two, a months apart. This is because their immune systems are immature and don't fully respond to just one so they need a "booster."

[aclee]

When I discussed this with the PA at our Dr (one I love, not the one I hate) she said that MANY kids don't get the second one the first time around. If supplies get low, the babies that have had the 1st one are the first to get eliminated from getting a flu shot so they can spread the supply out.

So I was sort of wondering how important it could be too. If it's available, we'll get the second, but if supplies get low, we may not get one.

[devildogwife]

Cameron's getting his second one today. I wouldn't skip it.

[Stormster]

Well I guess if there was a shortage they might have to skip the first one too! Anyway he just got it, he didn't cry though I did see him flinch! I love my strong little man!

[aclee]

Originally Posted by Stormster

Well I guess if there was a shortage they might have to skip the first one too! Anyway he just got it, he didn't cry though I did see him flinch! I love my strong little man!

Isn't my family lucky that we are all priority? I'm immune suppressed so even in a shortage I would be priority, DH has the heart stuff, so he would be priority. Ty is priority this year because he's little and in daycare and lives with us. Next year I'm not sure.

DH and I haven't gotten ours yet. We are bad. We both need to. I always get sick anyway, so I figure what is the point. I typically just drug my self with cup after cup of night time thera-flu and wake when it's over. Now that we have a kid, I don't know how I'll handle it

[BlessedbySnuggs]

I wouldn't skip the second shot either. You can't get the flu or cold from the flu shot.

JMHO, but it is not worth it to skip the second shot. Getting the flu is way worse, than any possible side effects from the actual shot.

I have seen some very little children extremely sick with the flu, and its just not worth it. Again, JMHO

[SupaModel]

We got our 2nd earlier this month too. I wouldn't risk it. DS was fine too.

[mommamarci]

My kids don't get flu shots. I had no idea you needed 2 the first year. We have never done one. We go to the doctor in a couple weeks for Spencer's 9 month check up and I know it will once again be a battle to change my mind...

[mumofone]

We get all other immunizations, but we don't get the flu shots. DH does because he works in health care.

[mommamarci]

Originally Posted by mumofone

We get all other immunizations, but we don't get the flu shots.

We are the same!

[Wisdom]

Thanks for your input everyone! We got the shot. Initially I was thinking it wasn't necessary and why have it if he ends up getting another cold right after the shot (even though the cold wasn't necessarily activated by the flu shot). Also, I didn't think he was likely to get the flu since he stays home with me. But, you just never know so we got the shot. Thanks again!!!

[karla-k]

DH does because he works in health care.

My DH is a nurse who works at the local hospital. We all get flu shots b/c he brings home all kinds of fun bugs on his clothing Kids who attend school or daycare also bring things home with them. And you never know where a kid can pick something up: grocery store, church, etc.