Flu Vaccines

[texas*princess]

She needs to chill out.

That is YOUR baby and you decide to do whatever you want to b/c you're it's mom.

[christiangirl]

Well, I'll throw this in about flu vaccines. My mom has gotten the flu shot every year since I can remember and every single year, she catches the flu--not just a little discomfort either, she would be out of work for a full week or more. She's a really healthy person otherwise, nothing comprising her immune system or anything. However, my parents never gave me the flu vaccine when I was little for whatever reason and I've gotten the flu three times that I can remember (ages 9, 15, and 21). So, for obvious reasons, I never saw the point of having it. I got it this year because I intern at a hospital and they run around like everyone who doesn't get it is bound to die a painful, miserable death. It was just for this year and, as I had a reaction to the shot, I don't plan on doing it again, unless I once again find myself working in a hospital or some other place with immonosuppressed people. And even then, it'd be for them and not me.

That being said, if a baby falls into that high-risk group, then the pros may outweigh the cons. You're her mom, so you get to make that call. As she gets older, it may not be so important, but right now she's your baby and you're protecting her the best you can. You're right not to let threats of antifreeze scare you.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

Well, I'll throw this in about flu vaccines. My mom has gotten the flu shot every year since I can remember and every single year, she catches the flu--not just a little discomfort either, she would be out of work for a full week or more. She's a really healthy person otherwise, nothing comprising her immune system or anything. However, my parents never gave me the flu vaccine when I was little for whatever reason and I've gotten the flu three times that I can remember (ages 9, 15, and 21). So, for obvious reasons, I never saw the point of having it. I got it this year because I intern at a hospital and they run around like everyone who doesn't get it is bound to die a painful, miserable death. It was just for this year and, as I had a reaction to the shot, I don't plan on doing it again, unless I once again find myself working in a hospital or some other place with immonosuppressed people. And even then, it'd be for them and not me.

That's probably because your mom came in contact with the flu before getting the vaccine or before the vaccine was in full effect.

There's a window of time that your vaccinator (is that a word? like, terminator) will tell you about when you get the vaccine. My vaccinator told me about the window of time years ago when I told her "flu vaccines don't work or they must give you the flu sometimes...because so-and-so still got the flu."

As for your reaction to the shot, the form that most of us sign at flu clinics (or your doctor can tell you) explains the risks for people with certain allergies and conditions. I always sign the waiver because the flu is worse than MY allergic reactions.

[Kappamd]

^^^I think there is a 2-3 week window of time before the vaccine fully "works."

Also, flu vaccines don't include EVERY strain of flu that exists, only the few that they believe will be most problematic for that season.

[littleowl33]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

Well, I'll throw this in about flu vaccines. My mom has gotten the flu shot every year since I can remember and every single year, she catches the flu--not just a little discomfort either, she would be out of work for a full week or more. She's a really healthy person otherwise, nothing comprising her immune system or anything. However, my parents never gave me the flu vaccine when I was little for whatever reason and I've gotten the flu three times that I can remember (ages 9, 15, and 21). So, for obvious reasons, I never saw the point of having it. I got it this year because I intern at a hospital and they run around like everyone who doesn't get it is bound to die a painful, miserable death. It was just for this year and, as I had a reaction to the shot, I don't plan on doing it again, unless I once again find myself working in a hospital or some other place with immonosuppressed people. And even then, it'd be for them and not me.

That being said, if a baby falls into that high-risk group, then the pros may outweigh the cons. You're her mom, so you get to make that call. As she gets older, it may not be so important, but right now she's your baby and you're protecting her the best you can. You're right not to let threats of antifreeze scare you.

Don't take this the wrong way, but a sample size of two people (you and your mom) is not convincing at all. Anecdotal evidence about how well the flu shot worked for a few people you know does not outweigh the evidence that the flu shot is extremely beneficial for the majority of people. It's a pet peeve of mine when people try to discount well-documented scientific phenomena or studies with, "Well, but, my friend/mom/sister/cousin..." stories. Different people are different in how their immune system reacts, and there are lots of other variables in play - I'm sure you know that from interning at a hospital.

/rant

I agree with the rest of your post, as well as the posters who say that people who don't get their children vaccinated are being selfish. Yes, it's their choice, but the rest of us don't have the choice of whether or not to live with the little infectious hosts. Maybe those kids should have to wear some sort of scarlet letter so we can see them coming...

[DrPhil]

I didn't know it was as long as 2-3 weeks. I know that I was more hand-sanitizery and don't-touch-me-ish until the window was over. LOL

My vaccinators explain about the flu strain thing. They say it is extremely rare to catch a strain that is not covered in the vaccine. (I always have conversations with my vaccinators so I know what's what. Some folks just go for the shot and spare the convo.)

[WinniBug]

Babybug's pediatrician told us that the seasonal flu vaccine is made at least a year in advance and contains the few strains they predict will be most prominent; and when H1N1 started around, that wasn't one they had included in this year's, which is why there's a separate vaccine.

[LucyKKG]

This was the first year I've gotten a flu shot, and I probably should have gotten sick from my sister, but I didn't. Hooray! I've been told I should get a swine flu vaccination, though, since I'm gonna start substitute teaching...hmmm...

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

As for your reaction to the shot, the form that most of us sign at flu clinics (or your doctor can tell you) explains the risks for people with certain allergies and conditions. I always sign the waiver because the flu is worse than MY allergic reactions.

The reaction I had was not on the form--2 lymph nodes in my armpit (of the arm where I got the shot) swelled up, very large and very painfully. I'm not allergic to anything listed on the waiver, so the 3 nurses who checked me out could not explain what happened or why except "I guess you had a reaction to something in the serum, but I haven't seen that reaction before." It started about 4 days after I got the shot and lasted about a week.

Originally Posted by littleowl33

Different people are different in how their immune system reacts, and there are lots of other variables in play - I'm sure you know that from interning at a hospital.

Which is why that anecdote was thrown out there: to add a dimension of possibilities, not to convince anyone in one direction or another.

[Beryana]

I have never gotten a flu shot (and never will) and have not gotten the flu since probably grade school which was over 20 years ago! And before you all say it is because I have not been in situations that would have exposed me to the flu, I have worked at a bank, Starbucks, substitute taught, retail, etc all during flu season. I have even sort of been exposed to H1N1 this year (and probably previous years, this year the media just pounced on it!) as my cousin was exposed to one of the first cases here in WI. On the other hand, my mom is going to get a flu shot because she is in (or rather will be in) a high risk group due to forthcoming chemo and radiation.

Basically it boils down to being your own decision as to whether you want to get the flu shot yourself or for your child. Have you discussed this with your pediatrician (as to the age of your child)?

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by christiangirl

Well, I'll throw this in about flu vaccines. My mom has gotten the flu shot every year since I can remember and every single year, she catches the flu--not just a little discomfort either, she would be out of work for a full week or more. She's a really healthy person otherwise, nothing comprising her immune system or anything. However, my parents never gave me the flu vaccine when I was little for whatever reason and I've gotten the flu three times that I can remember (ages 9, 15, and 21). So, for obvious reasons, I never saw the point of having it. I got it this year because I intern at a hospital and they run around like everyone who doesn't get it is bound to die a painful, miserable death. It was just for this year and, as I had a reaction to the shot, I don't plan on doing it again, unless I once again find myself working in a hospital or some other place with immonosuppressed people. And even then, it'd be for them and not me.

That being said, if a baby falls into that high-risk group, then the pros may outweigh the cons. You're her mom, so you get to make that call. As she gets older, it may not be so important, but right now she's your baby and you're protecting her the best you can. You're right not to let threats of antifreeze scare you.

The most likely answer to your mother's yearly "flu" infection is that it was NOT the flu. It is very unlikely that she would get the flu EVERY year even if she was not immunized. People call the common cold and every other viral syndrome the flu. The flu is only caused by the INFLUENZA virus. Other viruses can give you similar symptoms but will not be prevented by a shot that is made of influenza virus particles. Even if she was diagnosed by a physician with the FLU, it doesn't mean she really had the flu unless she actually got a culture. The only "pathognomonic" sign of influenza is pain in the extra-ocular muscles with movement. I had the flu on the interview trail as a senior med student...I literally had to turn my head to look around the room because moving my eyes hurt so much!

Originally Posted by christiangirl

The reaction I had was not on the form--2 lymph nodes in my armpit (of the arm where I got the shot) swelled up, very large and very painfully. I'm not allergic to anything listed on the waiver, so the 3 nurses who checked me out could not explain what happened or why except "I guess you had a reaction to something in the serum, but I haven't seen that reaction before." It started about 4 days after I got the shot and lasted about a week.



Which is why that anecdote was thrown out there: to add a dimension of possibilities, not to convince anyone in one direction or another.

The reaction you experienced is rare, but demonstrated your immune system working a little overtime. The lymph nodes in your axilla (armpit) drain your upper extremity, including the area where you had your shot. When antigens reach lymph nodes, they are the first line of defense to fight infection in the area they guard. The reason your lymph nodes got swollen and sore was because your body made tons of new lymphocytes to fight the virus particles that had been injected into your body. Unfortunately, the process went a little further than it needed to, but we see this quite frequently in other minor infections. The lymph nodes go away over time like yours did. Nurses are not trained to know all of the side effects, etc. Not her fault, that's why we have doctors!

[OleMissGlitter]

I've had the flu vaccine for the past 5 years. (Knocking on wood) I've never had flu. I work on a college campus too and I come in contact with all sorts of sick college kids! Back in August we had about half of our office out too with H1N1.

[AGDee]

I see this as a bigger issue you're going to have to deal with for years to come. Rather than debate the safety of this vaccine, you need to let her know, tactfully, that you and your husband will be making all medical decisions about your child and that, unless you seek out her advice, her advice is not welcome. It may be better if HE tells her so it's not coming from the Daughter In Law. Additionally, I'd probably stop letting her know any of that kind of information, for the sake of family peace. Or, when she does give advice, simply smile and say "I'll take that under consideration" and move on.

The stuff she told you about the vaccine is BS, but you knew that, or could find that out yourself!

[OleMissGlitter]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I see this as a bigger issue you're going to have to deal with for years to come. Rather than debate the safety of this vaccine, you need to let her know, tactfully, that you and your husband will be making all medical decisions about your child and that, unless you seek out her advice, her advice is not welcome. It may be better if HE tells her so it's not coming from the Daughter In Law. Additionally, I'd probably stop letting her know any of that kind of information, for the sake of family peace. Or, when she does give advice, simply smile and say "I'll take that under consideration" and move on.

The stuff she told you about the vaccine is BS, but you knew that, or could find that out yourself!

Excellent point. My own sister had to defriend her MIL from Facebook because she was getting way too pushy about things! You might want to consider limiting what she can see on your profile. Just an idea.

[WinniBug]

We've been telling her since we planned our wedding that she doesn't have any input in our family decisions! She just doesn't get it.
Last night, she messaged me asking if Babybug's vaccines were given in her arm, I said "No, babies get vaccines in their thighs" to which she replied, "I heard the other day that babies are supposed to get shots in their arms."
WTF? Babies don't have enough fat and muscle in their arms. And I'm pretty sure the drs and nurses know more about it than someone who never went to college and even tried to talk her 3 post-high school children OUT of college.


I might have to defriend her! My mom already did!!