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Yes, every year as soon as it’s available. Pregnant or not for me. As soon as they’re old enough to get it for them.
My 2nd was just born in Feb and was obviously too young to get it. It was pretty scary but I felt slightly better that we all had it to help protect him. None of us got it. -
Thank you all for the responses! It really helped!
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Yes. We all get the shot. My seven year old was offered it today at her well check. I did decline because I prefer to wait a bit longer
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@Littlebit7: so I think your post is really harsh. There is a big difference between shots for things like polio and pertussis vs a flu shot. If you have lived in europe or canada you will find very different approaches to the flu shot and chicken pox shot compared to the US. The idea that people should just say yes to every shot especially newer ones is silly. Its ok for people to be unsure or ask questions.
I lived in europe for many years and was actually told I didnt need the flu shot at that time it was offered to only high risk people. Such as elderly or certain types of asthma patients -
@Mrsbells: I think this is something that needs to be harsh. All of the wishy-washy, non-evidence based reasons people give for not vaccinating is a load of crap. It’s an increasing problem in this country and illnesses are making a comeback that haven’t been around in years. There is a measles outbreak currently in Europe (I was just there) and there is hesitancy to vaccinate there as well. Coincidence? It’s all the same line of thinking no matter name on the vaccine syringe.
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@Mrsbells: Canadian guidelines also recommend all children 6mo+ get flu vaccine - where the guidelines differ is healthy adults. Since this post is asking about toddlers it’s still applicable. I’m not familiar with the current European guidelines but I would assume they’re the same since flu is the most deadly in the young, old, and immunocompromised
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@Littlebit7: You don't need to be harsh to strangers on the internet no matter what point you think you are making. It doesnt sound like you understand the difference between a flu shot needed yearly vs a shot that gives lifetime protection and only needs an occasional booster.
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@gotkimchi: my in laws are Canadian and have never been offered it or know anyone who has it and were surprised by the hype here about it here.
I have nothing against flu shots for kids. I posted previously that at the very least it minimizes the severity of the flu. I am against posts that are unnecessarily harsh because that hasnt been the vibe on hellobee and I've been on here for many years -
@Mrsbells: I think this is the point @Littlebit7: was trying to make. One anecdote does not an informed decision make
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@Mrsbells: I fully understand. However the same individuals who refuse a flu vaccination tend to refuse other vaccinations. I like to think in terms of risk reduction. I can’t get past why someone would not want to reduce their, their offspring, or those in their communities’s risk of getting a potentially deadly illness if given an opportunity, barring any medical reason why they could not do so. I won’t apologize for being harsh on this one, because obviously plain English evidence-based research doesn’t work either.
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@gotkimchi: yes, exactly.
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@Mrsbells: where are they in Canada? It’s all over the radio here and there are radio ads constantly all season pushing/suggesting people get the flu shot, paid for by the government. I’m in Ontario. I feel that Canada is pretty big on promoting and using the flu shot.
@cake2017: I never got he flu shot before I had kids and I don’t think I ever got the flu, but as soon as I had my first kid I made sure I got the flu shot and as soon as my kids were old enough they got it too. If there’s even a little bit of help to be had in preventing them getting the flu then I’ll take it. I also made my husband get it and now we do every year. It’s a family event. :). It’s for our kids and obviously for any other kids and immunocompromised people we come into contact with. Obviously I don’t want the flu either, but I wouldn’t be so concerned if it weren’t for the little people in my own home.
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@Mrsbells: I didn’t really find @Littlebit7’s words all that harsh, it’s not like she’s calling people names. It was factually correct and straight to the point. Given that measles is making a comeback, which should absolutely NOT be happening, it’s past time to give it to people straight when it comes to vaccines. Vaccines have been heavily studied. They are safe. Choosing to not vaccinate when there is no medical reason for it is dangerous and irresponsible, full stop. And the flu shot has been around for many years, it’s not new. Just because it’s an annual shot doesn’t really make it different from the others.
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We all get it every year. I know someone who went to wake their 2 year old up from a np and they had passed away...because of influenza A.
ETA: Canadian and it’s every where here.
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@MrsSCB: thanks for that. I went back and re-read my initial comment a few times to make sure it wasn’t nasty which I don’t think it was. I think the bluntness comes from just being tired of this still being an issue. But I appreciate that OP reached out to get some information in order to make an informed decision rather than a rash one.
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Also Canadian in Ontario and the flu shot is EVERYWHERE here since a few years ago with H1N1. Pharmacists give it at every drug store, public health has clinics all season, family docs ask and promote it as well as radio ads and on the news. Local news was still pushing it until the late winter/early spring last season even though it wasn’t as effective. Everything @Littlebit7 said is totally on point.
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@Littlebit7: I couldnt agree more with your initial post, thank you for putting my thoughts into words. I don’t think it was harsh. Blunt maybe but not harsh.
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Yep, we get it. My girls are in childcare now and I work with senior citizens. The flu kills. It’s a no brainer to me.
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@Mrs. Goose: they have lived in both alberta and ontario. And have never had it or been offered it Obviously they dont have little kids but each time they visit they comment on how different the approach is here.
@MrsSCB: In my opinion it was unnecessarily harsh and she admitted she meant to be harsh with her initial response to me. So I think its moot at this point. Some people may post a question and they genuinely dont know what to do and those sorts of responses are not necessary. Just because someone has a question about a vaccine doesnt make them anti science or anti vaccinations. It's ok to relax and respond calmly versus calling people irresponsible etc -
@Mrsbells: we lived in Europe for nearly 5 years and for 5 years I was offered and accepted the flu shot for me and my LOs (when they were able to have it). My DH worked for an international org and they had a site-wide vaccination campaign every year. Maybe it depends on the country, since vaccine recommendations are not standardized throughout Europe. We live in Asia now and my DH’s new international org has already begun their influenza vax campaign for the year.
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@Mrsbells: I thought @Littlebit7:'s response was appropriate, given that the OP said "the flu shot seems to worry me for some reason." It is frustrating that in this day and age people are wishy-washy about scientifically proven vaccines. What is there to be worried about? It's a vaccine that can reduce risk and save lives! I think @Littlebit7: hit the nail on the head.
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@Littlebit7: couldn't agree more and I'm heartened to see so many of the moms on HB feel the same--if I ever have time to do volunteer work again I'd like to do it for this cause. My brother and his wife live in a very wealthy neighborhood and he recently told me their elementary school is only *60%* vaccinated. It's terrifying to think that it'll take further measles outbreaks and deaths of infants and the immune compromised to get laws passed on this issue, and crazy that there is so much public reluctance when it's an outright privilege to have access to vaccines.
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@LCTBQE: where does your family live?!?! 60%?!?! How is that possible in a public school? I think some school administrators are too lenient in allowing families not to vaccinate due to “religious” reasons. There was some controversy in my district where there was a young child undergoing treatment for cancer, but she couldn’t attend school due to non-vaccinated students on her bus. It’s getting crazy.
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@MamaG: I find this interesting, I would have just done it while in the office if I was there, is it too early to get it? I think what I am asking is, if you get it too early is there a risk that it won't last through the season?
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@lamariniere: definitely depends which country but as I said I specifically requested it since the flu shot posters listed asthma as one of the at risk groups and I was still not given it because my type of asthma didnt qualify me.
@Adira: As I said to a pp we can all have our opinions. TO ME the response was harsh and she confirmed that she knew it was harsh with her own response! If someone tells you their intent you should take them at their word!
Everything isnt in extremes some people refuse to vaccinate completely and need more education about it, others are unsure about some specific vaccines and would like info and opinions. None of these groups will respond well but being essentially "told off". By all means disgree if you must but do it with respect. Thats my whole point. -
Honestly, I didn’t think my question would get these many responses. It was just a question and I was curious to hear your thoughts and opinions on the flu shot. As always it’s everyones own business with what they do. However, We are entitled to our feelings and choices. Some posts can “be blunt or harsh “ and honestly go right ahead cause it doesn’t still my joy or cause me to stop posting etc! Do what you feel is best for you and your family! Once again, I appreciate everyone’s feedback and it helped with what my DH and I will decide for us as a family. Have a good day and don’t forget to smile!
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