Evan is scheduled for a flu shot on Monday and I have the option of either. I think, especially because he'll be going back to school after that the spray would be better (no potential sore arm), but I can't remember if he's ever had a nasal spray before.
Which delivery method did you go for? I know the spray is a live virus but he's not immuno-compromised and he doesn't have asthma (the two quesitons the nurse asked), so I'm not super worried about that...
53 votes
hostess / papaya / 10219 posts
The spray freaks me out because he never had it so I'll probably do the shot.
cantaloupe / 6206 posts
I have heard more stories of people have minor reactions (aches, low fever) after the spray because it's attenuated live virus. I prefer the shot because it's dead virus so any symptoms are purely psycho-somatic 
pear / 1837 posts
We did shot this year because I'm pregnant. She's done the spray in the past and not had any issues.
GOLD / wonderful pea / 17697 posts
@LulaBee: I'm pregnant now, and I hadn't thought about that! I should probably just go with the shot...he's been fine getting shots in the past, I was more concerned about him going back to school and trying to sleep on a potentially sore arm.
@JoJoGirl: That's a good point.
pear / 1837 posts
@lovehoneybee: Yeah, YOU have a compromised immune system and shouldn't be exposed to live virus. My DD slept great the night she got it and hasn't complained since. They did it in her leg, maybe you could ask for that?
wonderful olive / 19353 posts
I'm pregnant and got DS the mist yesterday. He's 2. He didn't know how to sniff afterwards, but hopefully that doesn't affect the effectiveness too much!
nectarine / 2132 posts
We did shot this year simply because they didn't have any sprays yet and I was anxious to get it done! He didn't even cry!
admin / watermelon / 14210 posts
the kids got the spray last year and will get it this year too.
grapefruit / 4455 posts
We are opting for the shot, because the way our pediatrician described it there tend to be more side effects with the spray. And also I don't know how much of it they'd get in because I bet dd would resist.
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
Dead virus, all the way! E got the shot, whined a little when she saw the bandaid go on, and then completely forgot about it when presented with stickers and a sucker 
I got it three days ago and my arm wasn't sore at all from it. It was sore from the MMR booster I got, though.
GOLD / wonderful olive / 19030 posts
Spray if it's available, I've been told this is more effective, so we will go with that. She had it last year and had no issues. DD2 will get shot since she's not old enough for spray.
pomegranate / 3411 posts
i did the shot because i think i would have had to pay extra for the spray.
pineapple / 12802 posts
We'll get the shots.
I'm not sure a spray is even available for us? I've never heard of it before!
cherry / 197 posts
Shot for DD because DS is under 6m. I didn't want him exposed to a live version of the virus. DD was very dramatic about the shot, but that's typical for her.
pear / 1946 posts
DD is 3 and got the spray on Wednesday. Had no issues with it at all. She got it last year too.
cantaloupe / 6687 posts
LO was 3 last year and did the spray with no issues so we'll do it again this year
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@lovehoneybee: I pre-emptively give K motrin before shots. My Dr said if she has not had reactions to the flu shot in previous years it is unlikely she will. Also - the more you move the less likely the sore arm is - toddlers tend to move enough!
pear / 1610 posts
When I called to schedule for our kids the nurse asked what I wanted and I really didn't know. She suggested sticking with the shot yet this year so that's what we will go with.
grapefruit / 4278 posts
E got the flu mist last year at 2 with no problems and will be getting the same this year.
According to this article (http://www.cbsnews.com/news/for-kids-flu-spray-may-be-better-than-shots/) "Experts say the spray prompts a better immune response in children who may have never been infected with flu before, but there isn't a clear difference in adults. Some studies have found that kids within that age group are about half as likely to get the flu if they had the spray vaccine instead of a shot." There are questions about this study and how recent the data is, but the current recommendation is for children to get the flu mist for these reasons.
I'm also pregnant currently and the CDC says pregnant women do not need to avoid contact with people recently vaccinated with the nasal spray. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm
kiwi / 524 posts
I asked his pediatrician because I knew the nasal spray was considered more effective for certain age groups. She recommended the shot unless I thought he would cooperate with the spray. Um, no way - I can barely get pants on him! We're getting the shot this year.
blogger / persimmon / 1231 posts
@lovehoneybee:
- there's no risk for them to give you the flu if they're getting the mist and you're pregnant.
- while both forms offer quadrivalent protection, some studies think young children build a better resistance with the mist.
- if they need shots anyway it may be easier, otherwise the mist is much easier! Most kids do great with it.
I'm an RN at a pediatric clinic and give many flu vaccines daily at work
blogger / persimmon / 1231 posts
Please know I'm not trying to be nit-picky, just wanted to clear up a few misconceptions!
@LulaBee: for future flu vaccines know that there's no contraindication for having your child get the mist if you're pregnant.
@LC: same as above, unless your ped advised you of that specifically, it isn't something that would be passed and "caught" by the baby
@Mrs D: while coming from the right thought, preventively giving Ibuprofen or Tylenol may slightly lower their ability to generate a good immune response to the vaccines. If they're miserable, achy, and have a high fever afterwards then definitely give it.
@creativemomma15: if you want the mist let them know! Often we'll steer towards the shot if running low on the mist but if someone really wants it then they'll get it.
persimmon / 1479 posts
I didn't care for the the spray when I got it one year. I wanted to gag after they administered it and felt really congested for a few days after (all normal symptoms). I've gone with the shot ever since.
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
@Mrs. Deer: good info, thanks!!
How does administering not the most usually go in 2 year olds? My LO hates shots, of course (who wouldn't if you don't understand they are good for you??) but she actually thinks having saline spray in her nose is fun and leans in for it. We will be going in only for the flu vaccine so no other shots at the appointment. (Also not actually sure if they have the most but will ask).
kiwi / 548 posts
My kids are getting flu shots tomorrow and I called today and they don't have the most available:( I told the kids over ice cream that they are getting a shot and the tears are alreadoy flowing. Boo.
pear / 1632 posts
@lovehoneybee: the preservative free flu shot!! The flu mist will shed to others through sneezing:(
We're not doing flu shots this year.
pear / 1632 posts
@Mrs. Deer: it says on the insert it's not safe during pregnancy. How do you know it's safe? You don't.
grapefruit / 4545 posts
@Mrs. Deer: interesting...my ped know I do this and has never cautioned me against it
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
@jh524: I haven't looked at the insert by doesn't it just say that it's not safe for a pregnant woman to get it? @Mrs. Deer: was saying that the child of a pregnant woman can get it without extra risk to the pregnant woman, not that she herself could get it.
I already had the shot and my arm hurt for days. 
pear / 1632 posts
@lovehoneybee:
This is the information from the actual insert for:
Fluzone (Influenza Vaccine) Suspension for Intramuscular Injection 2015-2016 Formula:
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS: Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Fluzone. It is also not known whether Fluzone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Fluzone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers:
It is not known whether Fluzone is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Fluzone is administered to a nursing woman.
This vaccine contains Mercury, Formaldehyde, chemicals not studied for the safety of fetuses, gelatin and more.
If you choose the flu vaccine, pregnant or not, request it be the preservative free vaccine for yourself and your family.
Be sure to research what the name/ manufacturer of the flu vaccine is so you can ask& request it by name.
blogger / persimmon / 1231 posts
@jh524: I think we had some miscommunication. I was saying that it's absolutely safe if you are pregnant for your child to receive the mist, but no, nobody who is pregnant should receive it themselves.
grapefruit / 4819 posts
We are only offered the mist for 2-4 yr olds over here, so that is what we'll do for DD1. I have to ask what they do for DD2 who isn't two until February....
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