[bennett/kevin]

with this horrible flu going around ..is anyone going to
get their child a flu shot when they get home??

[becky]

YES YES YES...get the flu shot. Your pediatrician will probably recommend it anyway. All of my kids get it (and I do too since I work around children).

[vicrose]

If a baby is six months of age or older..your pediatrician will almost always recommend it. I get the shot for all my kids...and thank God, even if they've gotten a little cold over the winter...it's just a cold...but the flu is very serious..especially for small children and older adults...so the answer I can give you is a definite yes on getting the shot!! Brenda

[tdintexas]

I'm not a big fan of giving kids any more shots than necessary, BUT this year I did have my pediatrician give my 2 yo son a flu shot. I made sure it didn't have mercury (thimerosol), which makes me feel a little more secure. Flu is BAD this year, and some otherwise healthy kids are dying from it, so for me the minimal risks were worth it.

[csw]

Hi,
The strain of flu the kids in Colorado died from is not one of the strains in the flu shot this year. But, it will protect from other prevelant strains. Cathy

[dreeg]

Amy,
Just a caution. The flu vaccine is running low and depending on when you will be bringing your baby home, they may run out. If you have a good relationship with your pediatrician, you may want to call and see if they can hold some back for you. If this is your child's first flu vaccine, he or she will need 2 doses, a month apart. Last night I went to see my pediatrician and she just gave me a bottle to keep in my frig at home. I will take it with me when I take Kaitlyn in for her first check-up. At least I know I be able to get the vaccine for her. Just my 2 cents.

Debi
Mom to Kaitlyn
Out of PGN on Dec 3rd after 6 months and 8 days!!!!!!!
Traveling the 14th until I can bring her home

[spaypets]

From the CDC:

"Although the A (H3N2) strain in this year’s flu vaccine is somewhat different from the main circulating strain causing illness in the United States so far, laboratory studies indicate that the vaccine should still provide some cross-protection against the circulating A (H3N2) strain. "

Ever since I got the flu years ago and wanted to die, I've had the vaccine. Because my daughter has never been through an American flu season our ped. gave it to her even though his supplies are short (I would have insisted anyway -- especially since this flu is killing otherwise healthy kids -- very unusual, btw).

Parents should consider getting the shots too since who wants to be sick and caring for a child.

[Chrysanthemum]

Rena and myself both got the flu shot. We did last year too. Better safe than sorry.

[Leah@Mandala]

Just so you know, Dr. Montiel in Guatemala City has been more than willing to give the flu shot to any of our children coming home soon if the parents wanted it. If you have that capability, perhaps you should ask your agency if your child could get a flu shot while in Guatemala.
Leah
Mandala Adoption Services

[jen]

I made an appt for Nick and Holli to get their's on Monday and wouldn't you know it, Nick has come down with a virus today and we went to dr for it. He can still get his shot on Mon as long as his fever is gone. I feel so bad for him and tomorrow is Holli's b-day party and dummy me forgot to ask if he could pass it on. I don't want to get anyone else sick, but don't want to cancle her 1st b-day party with the family.