Flu Vaccine

[dodie74]

Hi everyone, not posted for a while as Kian has been keeping well, touch wood. Just wondered on everyones thoughts on this new flu nasal spray that the schools are offering the kids in our primary school. (I know Kian cant have it as its a live vaccine) My only concern is Kian being in contact with my youngest son who may be having the new vaccine as I haven't made a decision yet as what to do? x

 

[DustyKat]

Good to hear that Kian is doing well dodie!

Re the live flu vaccine in close contacts:

Immunocompromised children, and those living in close contact with those who are immunocompromised, should be offered trivalent vaccine (inactivated).

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/influenza-vaccination

Dusty. xxx

 

[Johnnysmom]

Our pediatrician won't let our daughter get the flu mist. She has to get the shot right along with her brother. She is a trooper about it though

Great to hear Kian is feeling well!!

 

[dodie74]

Thankyou.... im going to tick no for Ethan to have that nasal spray now, just needed that wee bit of advice to make my mind up. xx
Also, if all the other kids in school are having the nasal spray, will Kian be ok to be in close contact with them?

 

[Mehita]

No flu mist for anyone in our family here either. We were told we could possibly pass it to DS. We're all getting the shot.

 

[Johnnysmom]

Thankyou.... im going to tick no for Ethan to have that nasal spray now, just needed that wee bit of advice to make my mind up. xx
Also, if all the other kids in school are having the nasal spray, will Kian be ok to be in close contact with them?

I would think so, especially since he is feeling so good right now. My thoughts are that if the flu mist was really that dangerous in close contact that they would not allow the general population to get it. I know it is also limited to children over 5 years old, so I am sure the thought is at that age they are better with their personal hygiene.

But, I always defer and give my son's GI nurse or Pediatrician a call.

 

[DustyKat]

Just an observation/question:

Unless they are expecting a particularly nasty strain that is contained within the vaccine, say like when the swine flu was around, why are they targeting otherwise healthy individuals? Has thinking changed on this from the existing...over 65 or now they are saying 50 as it decreases the risk of heart attack, those with chronic illness, immunocompromised, and so on. Of course anyone can get a flu shot but I don't quite get the targeting of school kids.

Dusty.

 

[Farmwife]

My understanding is they want kids vaccinated so the elderly, babies and immunocompromised people don't get the flu.

 

[Clash]

Dusty, I looked on CDC to see what the recommendations are here, and it is a page full of info but starts with:

Everyone older than 6 months is recommended for flu vaccination with rare exception

But never gives a particular explanation for this. It then lists who should, should with pre-cautions and shouldn't get the flu vaccine, it is I think also divided into shot and mist.

Here is the link:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/whoshouldvax.htm

 

[Catherine]

Groups who get the flu immunisation free in Australia.

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/seasonal-influenza-vaccine.htm

 

[Mehita]

I guess I always assumed it was because kids are usually pretty bad at hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, etc. so viruses, flu, strep all spread very quickly.