[arkansas parent]

We are all geting flu shots Thursday. DH and T are the only two that has ever gotten it (two years ago). I don't know why, but this year I just have a feeling we all need it. Our 13.5 yo DD doesn't not want one. She says it is stupid and she doesn't care if she gets the flu. So do I force her to get the shot, or let her decided?

[Stormster]

I will make sure my son is vaccinated until he's legally and adult (and then I'll nag him anyway)

[nurse_reedle]

I wouldn't, but we don't generally vax. ;-) I would probably refuse to allow a vax for an under 18 I wasn't very, very comfortable with.

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by Stormster

I will make sure my son is vaccinated until he's legally and adult (and then I'll nag him anyway)

Exactly my thoughts as well.

[DPline]

Originally Posted by Stormster

I will make sure my son is vaccinated until he's legally and adult (and then I'll nag him anyway)

Me too.

I am the grown up. I am responsible for his well being. And the well being of the others in our household which he could infect if he gets sick.

My 11 year old is the one I worry about the most. I don't know about your daughter's situation, but my son is in school with over 600 other kids. All sharing computers, books, gym equipment, music equipment, etc. I know the school is doing their very best at cleaning, but I also know how good that age children are not about washing hands, etc. At least boys.

[MamaS]

Originally Posted by Stormster

I will make sure my son is vaccinated until he's legally and adult (and then I'll nag him anyway)

Exactly what I do!!!

[CaddoRose]

As long as I'm the parent, my kids will get the vacs I say to get. When they are adults, then they can decide. If she really said it's stupid and she doesn't care if she gets the flu, then she isn't making a decision based on any logical facts about the flu or vaccines. She's just being a kid who thinks they are invincible. Besides, if she gets the flu, then she could possibly give it to others.

[GAMOM75]

I did vaccinate my 2 year old but did not force my 12 year old into vaccination. The reason being, she saw a show recently about a girl who had a very severe neurological reaction from the flu shot. So it kind of freaked her out. She has never had a flu shot in previous years, so right now I am not going to do it. But that may change.

[arkansas parent]

She doesn't think the shot is stupid, she thinks I am stupid for wanting the whole family to get one now, but never worried about it in the past.
I told her tonight what time we are going and she didn't argue, so maybe she is changing her mind. (It probably helped when I pointed out she would be home with me for DAYS and not at school with her friends if she gets the flu .)

[Stormster]

Originally Posted by arkansas parent

She doesn't think the shot is stupid, she thinks I am stupid for wanting the whole family to get one now, but never worried about it in the past.
I told her tonight what time we are going and she didn't argue, so maybe she is changing her mind. (It probably helped when I pointed out she would be home with me for DAYS and not at school with her friends if she gets the flu .)

ha! This whole story illustrates the pros and cons of having a 13 year old!

[hpfreak080]

My mom never forced me to get a flu shot in the past mostly because I have a huge fear of needles (I am known to pass out due to the adrenaline rush from getting shots). I get really anxious and nervous when I know I have to get a shot and I think my mom is FINALLY realizing that I'm not just making up this fear to get out of shots.

With flu spreading like wildfire this year, my parents and I decided to get vaccinated (I'm now an adult...so they can't make me anyway LOL) but I told them I would ONLY get it if I could have the nasal mist (I got the second to last dose at Walgreens...lucky me hehe)