Flu Shots

[a mum]

Is there a minimum age for flu shots? My paediatrician advised me to better have the family members to take the flu shot rather than the baby himself. My son is 9 months old.

[joannek]

i remember my chinese doctor used to suggest that everyone in the household take the flu shot if there's infant and/or elderly at home, everyone including my then 9 mths baby.

but then you know the flu shot only protects against the most popular strands of that year, your child might still get flus.

several of my friends' kids (10mths-3yearolds) all got flu shots but during the past few mths all got sth (flu or virus that causes vomiting) which needed them to be admitted to hospitals.

[rebekah]

influenza is a respiratory (lung)virus, which is why its important for those with elderly of ill children to get them, or those who live with/care for them, but the virus that causes vomiting is some form of gastritis (or gastroenteritis, if it's coming out of both ends.) that is a very common misconception.

[elizaveta]

I wonder if anyone else has noticed that HK health official mentioned that "people who have received a flu shot may still not be protected". The cases reported in newspaper were a modified strain and it is highly questionable whether flu shot can protect you against it. Personaly I do not believe in flu shots - it is a pure guess work conducted a year before and for the whole world. But this is of course fully personal opinion. My 1 year old baby was not vaccinated against flu.

[rebekah]

eliza, i agree... the mutated strains of flu are not likely to have any protection from a flu shot. I still think it is wise for the elderly and young/premature babies to get the flu shot, as it does provide protection against a variety of strains that their weak immune systems may come into contact with, but I personally do not, nor does my husband, and we will not be getting it for our coming baby unless she is premature/has other health concerns, but that's a personal decision that you should discuss with a trusted dr.

[bekyboo44]

Before I could get our one year old son vaccinated against flu he fell sick with the strain of flu that the vaccine does protect against.

It was awful! His temp. kept going up to 40-41 degrees over three days. At one point it was so high he had a febral convulsion which was just terrifying.

He was in hospital for three days, barely ate for two weeks and was for that time a shadow of his normal self.

Next flu season he will be the first to get his flu shot!!