Nation-wide Flu Vaccine Ban for Children Under 5

Hi Everyone,

As we cannot post links here I have cut and pasted the article from The Courier Mail released thismorning. Those of you who have listened to the news today have probably already heard. Sounds very much like the Gullian-Barre Syndrome outbreak following the 1976 flu vaccine.... of course those with compromised immunity (ie born prem) will be at increased risk than those with more developed immune systems.

Flu vaccine ban for children under 5 after kids fall ill in Perth
Rod Chester From: The Courier-Mail April 23, 2010 9:11AM

AUSTRALIAN health authorities have announced a nation-wide ban on children under 5 being vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
The move comes after Western Australian health authorities reported a batch of children under five suffered high temperatures and convulsions after being vaccinated.
Australia's chief medical officer Jim Bishop this morning said the recommendation not to give the vaccine to young children was a “precautionary measure”.

"Until we know more we've suggested that we don't use that [seasonal flu vaccine] for the moment in children under five," he said on ABC radio this morning.
"I'm advising all doctors today not to use it until we know a bit more.
"This may be part of the normal pattern once we see the whole picture, or it may be more than we would expect. Therefore I just think it's wise and precautionary not to use it in children under five.
“The first thing is to find out if this is an aberration due to just an aggregation of cases or is something important.
So far health authorities in other states have not reported any problems, however Professor Bishop says that could be because WA has a particularly strong program on encouraging young children to be vaccinated.

Prof Bishop said the van did not extend to the swine flu vaccine that could still be given as a separate injection.

He said other groups at high risk of flu, particularly the elderly and pregnant women, should continue to be vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
Prof Bishop says one of the first steps was to identify whether the problem was associated with particular batches or was a wider problem.

Mmm, DD and I have an appointment on Tuesday for our jabs. Will be interesting to see what the doctor says!

I find it interesting to note that WA is the only state that is offering the flu vaccine free for young children this year...perhaps this high aggregation of cases reflects a higher take-up of the vaccines in this group...I wonder whether a similar number of reactions has happened in other areas but not been seen as statistically significant because of a lower overall vaccination rate?

Anyway, I'm feeling more and more grateful to hmn who worded us up on this as early as a good week ago.

We're in WA and DS had a terrible reaction to the combined swine flu and normal flu vax 3 weeks ago, many of his little friends also had at least a temp. DS had a temp and vomitting. A 15mo around here had a temp of 39.8 and went to hospital.

Our local child health centre was told it could just be the batch. I'm pregnant and I didn't have it but another pregnant friend did and she had no reaction.

Wow that's interesting. Thanks for posting.

I'm amazed it's not extended to the Swine Flu vax.. as haven't they been saying the swine flu vax is as 'safe' as a seasonal flu shot? hmmm :think:

So glad I didn't listen to my mum, she was pushing for us to give it to both our girls. No way we wanted to any way but she works in the health industry and she kept saying how we should get it. I would rather let them build up their immune systems and my gp didn''t recommend it either.

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He said other groups at high risk of flu, particularly the elderly and pregnant women, should continue to be vaccinated for the seasonal flu.

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does anyone else just shake their head at this? it makes kids sick, yet lets inject pg women.... :wall:

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I'm amazed it's not extended to the Swine Flu vax.. as haven't they been saying the swine flu vax is as 'safe' as a seasonal flu shot? hmmm :think:

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I heard this morning on the news twice that the ban included the swine flu vax, having said that, the reports aren't always 100% I guess.

Oh great, now they ban the vaccination :(
I wish I didn't take DD to get her flu fax, we had horrible nights with temp up to 40C, she was whimpering and vomiting everything that we tried to push down. we finally had to rush her out at 2 in the morning and came back with a pack of panadol. Yes, she's fine on the 3rd day, but temp that high is very very terrifying!

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does anyone else just shake their head at this? it makes kids sick, yet lets inject pg women.... :wall:

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Yeah... I wonder about this too. Is it possible for a baby in utero to have a fever and no one know? Or is their body temp regulated by the mum?

I would have thought it would be regulated by the mothers body temp Liz, but it is very very worrying indeed and if I were pg, I would not have it.

All I will say about it is how long before the propaganda starts?

You're probably right Trillian. now I think about it.. when Kayla was prem they monitored her body temperature, as that was something they can have problems with regulating themselves. So they probably are reliant on the mother's body temperature.

Always have been against this vaccine and no matter if my kids are 5 or 15, they aint getting it! Nor gardasil... or anything else unless they medically need it.

Have just been doing a little bit of research in regard to getting my DD vaccinated with the seasonal flu or just the swine flu regime of 2 doses. I am pro vaccinating but within reason and definately only if I am confident it is safe and has been extensively tested. The swine flu and flu vaccines have been a huge debate for me for many years ( must add I am a Nurse and work in the high risk area of Neonatal Intensive Care (Prem bubs).

I am not happy with the requirement that if I were to get my DD vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine (which includes swine flu strain) that because she has never had it before she would require 2 doses of the multi strain vax 28 days apart :o I dont know about anyone else but that sounds like a HUGE hit on my 18 month olds small little body and I feel sick just thinking about it.

I am swinging towards the single strain swine flu vax that still does require 2 doses 28 days apart as it is just one strain my poor little baby will have to build immunity against at one time. That being said, I am not happy that it has been tested effectively in regard to adequate dosing amounts eg, weight, age... Plus, it came out awfully quickly!!

I guess with this ban now I have a bit more time to research and find the right decision. I had the seasonal flu vax, the only time I have, many years ago when I was a student nurse and still contracted Influenza A! I was sick for months and months (I am an asthmatic, which was why I got it) so I wont be getting it again.

Thats my 2 cents, is a bit bigger post than I expected. Sorry

My DS had the swine flu shot on Tuesday and that night had a temp of 38.5 but the next day was so sick and vomited like I have never seen.
I am so thankful that on Tuesday when the Doctor advised me that there was a combined vaccine I decided just to stick to the swine flu only.
Truly so scary being a parent with your little one gets sick!!

[QUOTE=JellyBean;2280030]
Sounds very much like the Gullian-Barre Syndrome outbreak following the 1976 flu vaccine.... ]

I've only seen on the news about reactions such as temp/febrile convulsions and vomiting. (very scary for parents all the same) Nothing about GB syndrome though. Sorry, I really don't mean to be rude, I'm just wondering how you could liken it to the 1976 'outbreak' of GBS?

When I first read your post, I was very alarmed when I saw your reference to GB syndrome. I suffered post natal anxiety after the birth of my son last year around when swine flu was around and had trouble bonding with him because I thought he might die from it, so I am quite sensitive to alarming headlines or opinions like that. I'm also sensitive because I have had the Swine Flu vacc and am pregnant and it was a really hard decision for me. (Just explaining my background, so you can see where I'm coming from, but I do still appreciate your post)

But back to the actual posted topic...

How terrible for the parents who have agonised over whether or not to get the current seasonal flu vacc and then to have to go through their child/baby having an adverse reaction :(

I didn't get the SF vacc for our 1 year old, but did for 5 year old and myself, as I am pregnant and so far no problems.

It's important to go to the official sources media-if you really value the health of your little ones at least find credible and complete information as below from bothe the TGA and The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer

Western Australian reports of adverse reactions to 2010 seasonal flu vaccine in children
23 April 2010 Therpeutic Goods Administration

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is investigating reports of an increase in adverse events to the seasonal flu vaccine in Western Australia (WA), where all children 6 months to 5 years have been offered a free seasonal flu vaccination.
The pattern and rate of adverse reactions reported by WA have not been seen in other states, and the TGA will test batches of the vaccine used in WA for any abnormalities.
Other states and territories seasonal flu vaccination programs have focused on individuals in high risk categories.
The TGA is investigating the WA data to determine whether the adverse reactions reported in WA relate to the vaccine, or the WA program delivery.
However, until it can be established what is causing the rise in adverse events in some children in WA, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, is writing to all immunisation providers to advise them not to administer seasonal flu vaccinations to all children 5 years of age and under until further notice.
What the TGA is doing

The TGA has contacted the manufacturer, CSL Ltd, to confirm which batches of vaccine were used in WA and is obtaining samples of the vaccine to test in its laboratories to determine if there are any abnormalities in the batches of vaccine used in WA.
States and territories have been asked to report any adverse events related to seasonal influenza urgently to the Therapeutic Goods Administration. States and territories have also been asked to provide details on batch numbers and type of vaccine.
The TGA is urgently convening an expert scientific advisory panel to review the information from WA, and is seeking additional information from the manufacturer, CSL Ltd, and from regulatory colleagues internationally.
What parents and caregivers should do

If you have concerns because your child has received the seasonal flu vaccination please contact your doctor. Reported adverse reactions include fever, vomiting and febrile convulsions.
Whether there are any implications for swine flu vaccine

At this stage there do not appear to be implications for the swine flu vaccine Panvax®. Professor Bishop's advice relates only to the seasonal flu vaccination program for children 5 years of age and under.
It is safe to have the Panvax® H1N1 vaccine, even if you are already immune to the virus, just as it is safe to get a seasonal influenza vaccination if you've already had seasonal flu.
The TGA's assessment and the advice of its expert committees is that Panvax® and Panvax H1N1 Junior® are safe, effective vaccine for prevention of the H1N1 influenza.
Swine flu vaccination as alternative to seasonal flu vaccine




Panvax® H1N1 vaccine only protects you against the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus. People can still be infected by seasonal influenza viruses circulating in the community. To reduce the risk of influenza during Australia's winter months people should still get the seasonal flu vaccine, particularly if they are in a high risk seasonal flu group. High risk categories include:

• People aged 65 years and over;
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over; and
• Pregnant women.

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CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Professor Jim Bishop AO

MD MMed MBBS FRACP FRCPA
Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer

MEDIA STATEMENT

23rd April 2010

Seasonal Flu Vaccine and young children

Due to a spike in the numbers of young children in Western Australia experiencing feverand convulsions following seasonal flu vaccinations, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, is advising all GPs and immunisation providers to stop giving seasonal flu vaccine to children five years and under until a cause is established.

"This is a precautionary measure while the matter is being urgently investigated by health experts and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)," Professor Bishop said.

"Until it can be established what factors are causing the apparent rise in fevers in some children in WA, I am writing to all immunisation providers to advise them not to administer seasonal flu vaccine to all children 5 years of age and under until further notice."

Professor Bishop said the medicines regulator, the TGA, is investigating the WA data as a matter of urgency to determine whether the adverse reactions reported in WA relate to the vaccine, or whether factors related to the program delivery in WA are involved.

"The TGA has contacted CSL Ltd to confirm which batches of vaccine were used in WA and is obtaining samples of the vaccine to test in its laboratories to determine if there are any abnormalities in the batches of vaccine used in WA," Professor Bishop said.

"The TGA will be urgently reviewing data from WA Health about the adverse events and the vaccine distribution data to see if the rates of fever and convulsions are truly higher than expected. The TGA is convening an expert scientific advisory panel to review the

information from WA, and is seeking additional information from the manufacturer, CSL Ltd, and from regulatory colleagues internationally.
"TGA will test batches of the vaccine used in WA for any abnormalities.
"The Department of Health and Ageing has sought advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. which is currently reviewing the available information on cases and the Department will be seeking its further advice. States and territories have been asked to report any adverse events related to seasonal influenza urgently to the Therapeutic Goods Administration. States and territories have also been asked to provide details on batch numbers and type of vaccine."

Professor Bishop said people over five years of age can continue to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza as per usual. Flu can be a serious disease especially in people who are in high risk categories including people aged 65 years and over; all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over and pregnant women.

The Commonwealth Government provides the seasonal flu vaccine free for these at risk groups.
Professor Bishop said that there do not appear to be implications for the swine flu vaccine Panvax®.

"It is safe to have the swine flu vaccine. The TGA’s assessment of clinical trials and the advice of its expert committees is that Panvax® is a safe, effective vaccine for prevention of the H1N1 influenza.

“It is expected that the dominant flu this winter season will be swine flu and the specific
Panvax vaccine is available free for all Australians.”

Media contact: Kay McNiece, 0412 132 585

Yep - they are investigating the batch that has been rolled out here in WA, and the response by the medical community has been swift. Sorry, but I don't find anything particularly commendable about that. Would we expect anything less?

And as for the vaccine not being tested, there really is no way to safely test a vaccine on a child. Who is going to subject their child in an experiment to check if a vaccine is safe? We don't know what the effects are going to be until the vaccine has been administered - and by that point it may be too late for some. Someone has to be the guinea pig. Thanks to the medical community and media push, it is a large portion of the Australian public.

Received a call from my BIL last night who was concerned for my little ones.... turns out the parents of the little 1 yr old girl in a coma are good friends of theirs. Understandably they are really shaken up about this. The girl suffered high temp, vomiting, with seizures before going into the coma. Perfectly healthy girl prior to receiving the vax. Things are not looking good for her but we are keeping her in our prayers and would appreciate any of you out there to do the same. :pray:

XX

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And as for the vaccine not being tested, there really is no way to safely test a vaccine on a child. Who is going to subject their child in an experiment to check if a vaccine is safe? We don't know what the effects are going to be until the vaccine has been administered - and by that point it may be too late for some. Someone has to be the guinea pig. Thanks to the medical community and media push, it is a large portion of the Australian public.


XX

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but are the parents aware of the fact that it is a new vaccine which has not been used on kids? Or is that bit kept quiet?

it must be something to do with the batch? havnet children been recieveing the seasonal flu shot for years? that one has been on the market for a while (with new strains added in each year).??

as for the swine flu one the thing that worries me is.. they are saying its safe for now.. but thats just because there hasnt been any reported side effects as went on in WA... but thats not to say it wont happen in the future..??

my kids are due for their second swine flu shot in a couple weeks and i am wondering if i should risk it. they were fine with the first one though.

When I stated about the testing of the vaccine I understand that it cant be tested on children but all vaccines/medications for that matter go through extensive tests before they are put on the market which can take up to 6 months... the swine flu vax had a huge demand in relation to the pandemic and therefore was rushed through.

Reports that I have read and heard are stating that it is the seasonal flu vax that is under the radar and that the swine flu strain only vax is determined safe for children. That being said, I am still in two minds...

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When I stated about the testing of the vaccine I understand that it cant be tested on children but all vaccines/medications for that matter go through extensive tests before they are put on the market which can take up to 6 months... the swine flu vax had a huge demand in relation to the pandemic and therefore was rushed through.

Reports that I have read and heard are stating that it is the seasonal flu vax that is under the radar and that the swine flu strain only vax is determined safe for children. That being said, I am still in two minds...

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they added more then one strain to the seasonal flu shot, and it was not tested on kids like this, just released, the parents not warned that it was a new vaccine...

makes me worry more about the swine flu, which they admit was rushed

From 'The West Australian' this afternoon..

A one-year-old girl admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital in a critical condition after she received a flu jab appears to be in recovery, with hospital staff reporting this afternoon that she is now in a serious but stable condition.

The child's parents have declined to speak to the media about their ordeal.

Statistical information on numbers of children falling ill after the jabs was not available today, but they were expected to be in decline after the vaccination program came to an abrupt halt.

Praying she makes a speedy recovery. Poor little bubba and family :(

Flu vaccines change every year in the strains included based on the previous years prevaence of strains and predicted vectors of transmission through the region.

Whilst the H1N1 is another virus. It is still a flu variant- not new technology- and AUS is a leader in vaccine technology, so I would trust one of our vaccines.

It is reasonable to expect a batch or handling error eg cold storage chain problem given the confinement of febrile illness/ febrile seizures to WA.

The vaccine in question contained 2 strains of seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus - swine flu. According to the article below we are the first in the world to recieve the combination. (Gee - lucky us :rolleyes:)

I am aware that children were involved in the trial to see if swine flu was safe (for which adverse reactions were also reported in the media), however I am unable to understand how such a trial is considered safe or ethical. Er..."We need some parents who are keen to subject their children to an experiment to see if a new vaccine is safe to give to the rest of the country?" :o I can only suppose the parents were paid well? :dunno: Whether it is safe or accurate to extrapolate the results from animal studies onto humans is questionable.

Article from the National:

CLINICAL tests were never carried out on the latest seasonal flu vaccine - a first-time combination of seasonal flu with the feared swine flu H1N1 - that has left a baby girl fighting for her life in a Perth hospital and sparked fits, fevers and vomiting in up to 60 toddlers across the country.

Health officials were last night trying to determine what had caused the reactions in the children, mostly in Western Australia.

The country's chief medical officer, Jim Bishop, yesterday ordered doctors in all states to stop giving the flu vaccine to children under five.

Professor Bishop said non-swine flu strains in the vaccine may have caused the reactions.

For the first time in the world, the flu shot rolled out in Australia last month combined two strains of seasonal flu, as well as H1N1.

Professor Bishop said the Panvax vaccine - the swine flu jab - was "safe", but said the combined flu shot had been suspended for young children as a "precautionary measure" pending investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which approved its use last month.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Related CoverageDoctors: Flu jab safe for adults Child critical from WA flu vaccine
Perth Now, 6 hours ago
Children fall sick after flu jab
Daily Telegraph, 20 hours ago
Flu jabs upset Qld kids
Courier Mail, 1 day ago
Drug regulator checking flu jab safety
NEWS.com.au, 1 day ago
Probe on flu shots after kids fall ill
Herald Sun, 1 day agoEnd of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
Panvax was tested on 400 children before its release last year, but the combined shot was not subjected to any clinical trials.

CSL, which manufactures both vaccines, has stopped distributing children's doses nationally "to reduce the risk of inadvertent administration in this age group".

One angry West Australian mother, who only wanted to be identified as Sharon, said if officials had acted earlier, the one-year-old girl in critical condition in hospital may never have become sick.

Sharon had three of her four children vaccinated two weeks ago and all three needed hospitalisation after suffering from fevers, vomiting and fits.

She said it was a frightening experience after her three-year-old, Alivia, turned purple and began shaking.

One of her one-year-old twins, Lateesha, later started convulsing.

Peter Richmond, associate professor at the University of Western Australia's school of pediatrics and child health, said the vaccine was not subjected to trials.

"As with each year's seasonal influenza vaccine, this year's seasonal influenza vaccine isn't subject to specific trials in children before it's used," he said.

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It is reasonable to expect a batch or handling error eg cold storage chain problem given the confinement of febrile illness/ febrile seizures to WA.

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I've received two phones calls from the Health Department since my DD's reaction and I have asked this question. They assured me they have strict guidelines about storage. Any vaccines that were affected by the storm would be discarded. She also said, if in the very unlikely event that an "off" vaccine was used, it would be less affective rather than cause an adverse reaction.

Who knows if we'll ever be told why this has happened. It seems they avoiding admitting any of these reactions have anything to do with the vaccine. But for any parent that saw their child go through a reaction, KNOW it was the vaccine.

So we have an hyperacute febrile response that has led to seizures, from a component of the vaccine.

It may be for example that the viral components have not been attenuated properly,ie made dead if you like. It is important not to eliminate every possibility of cause. For example, some and I mean some, are caused by still sick children being vaccinated. So many variables to consider

I can't see any reason to cover anything up.
The safety measures have been initiated as published. The process of assessing all patients and vaccine stock and supply and manufacturer processes must take time I imagine.

from what i can gather (and icould be wrong) the flu shot didnt CAUSE the seizures it caused the fevers which as a side effect cause the seizures?

hmn.. are you in WA?

i just really hate flu season!

I haven't read all of these posts and am late coming into this thread. But I want to re-post what I wrote in another thread...

Just wanted to add; I actually have the email released from the AMA regarding the suspension of this immunisation. It has been advised to cease this immunisation in under 5's whilst they investigate the cause. At the time of the email being written, it was unknown if the number of children presenting with adverse side effects (especially febrile convulsions) was elevated or within the usual spectrum of adverse reactions. Remember that it is always a risk a person will react to any medication or vaccine. We hope that it doesn't happen but unfortunately, some people do react. In relation to the recent cases reported via the media, it may be that it appears there is an increase because they are being presented via the media. The AMA is investigating the data to see if there is infact an elevation in the number of adverse reactions being reported.

I am in no way down playing the seriousness of an adverse reaction (my personal and professional stance is quiet the opposite), however I do urge people to wait and see the outcome of this investigation.

HMN, the Dept is correct, there ARE stringent guidelines for the storage of the vaccine and, in fact, all medications. However, that does not mean they are adhered to. Unfortunately, some medication also deteriates rapidly. I see it all the time with a very common anesthetic drug (whereby it doesn't work as effectively due to poor storage, being open too long, the temp of the room we are in).

Nuddle,the vaccine is new every year. Each year it is altered to cover any new strain of the flu that has evolved. The flu is a mutating virus which means that it is constantly changing.

The reason the AMA has said it is safe for the Swine Flu Vaccine to continue being given is because there has not been an apparent (read my earlier paragraph stating they are trying to determine if there has in fact been an increase in reported adverse reactions) increase in adverse reactions. Also, the swine flu vaccine has been available for some months now with few issues which means it is safe to assume that any sudden spike of adverse reactions would be the COMBINATION of the regular flu vaccine combined with the swine flu vaccine.

I would again urge everyone to wait and see what the results of the investigation are. It is scary but lets wait and see what happens.

MG

Why vacc kids against flu - any kind? Is this usually recommended - do children get the flu alot?

I'm genuinely interested - it's completely off my radar, I've never been told about it or been encouraged to get it for mine. I didn't even know it was recommended for kids if it is.

and just found this on THE AGE online
http://www.theage.com.au/national/ch...0430-tzgm.html


Children's vaccine fits remain mystery
MARK METHERELL AND AMY CORDEROY
May 1, 2010

AFTER a week of analysis, medical authorities are still at a loss to explain why 57 children have had convulsions after receiving influenza vaccine.

The Commonwealth's chief medical officer, Jim Bishop, yesterday announced that a national ban on administering the mixed seasonal and swine flu vaccine to children aged five and under would continue.

Professor Bishop said no evidence had been found of a suspect batch of the CSL vaccine going to Western Australia, where there have been 57 cases of convulsions in children aged five or under.

Although dramatically disproportionate to the rest of Australia's 20 cases of convulsions, including six in Victoria and four in New South Wales, the WA numbers may be partly explained by its higher vaccination rates because the vaccine is available free to infants. Typically the rate of fever with convulsions after vaccination was between one in a 1000 and one in 10,000.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Australians have been unable to get flu shots due to a shortage of seasonal flu vaccine.

There had been unprecedented demand this year, said Greg Caleo, managing director of Calastica, a workplace health provider. His company had to cancel 30,000 injections this month.

While the vaccine's increased popularity may be partly to blame, there have been problems getting supplies into the country.

Alan Hampson, chairman of the Influenza Specialist Group in Australia, said: ''It does seem as if there is a higher patient awareness of influenza at the moment and that is a good thing.''

He advised young, healthy people anxious to get the flu vaccine to consider having the swine flu vaccine.

It is NOT unreasonable to expect that a higher number of being are requesting the vaccine therefor resulting ina higher number of people experiencing an adverse reaction. It does not mean that it is outside the spectrum of expected adverse reactions once you do a comparison such as 1 in 5 (which is a number I a using purely for convenience at this point) should expect a reaction.

Lulu - children are encouraged (young children) because, like the elderly, they are considered to have a lower immune system and not able to fight it as well. They also have reduced strength (I'm not talking brute stregnth either) to fight the condition which can be pretty foul. The flu can cause secondary conditions including pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. So anyone who has a respiratory condition (such as Asthma) or has recently had pneumonia is usually encouraged to have the vaccine - it is much more dangerous for them to get the flu. Also anyone with a lowered immune system (cancer patients, HIV patients, the very young, the elderly, pregnant women etc).

Did that make sense? My coffee fuelled brain power is just about depleted. Must recharge.

ETA: Oh, and the swine flu showed last year that it is much more volatile and problematic in young healthy people (as well as those with comorbidities). They urge ALL young, fit, healthy people to get the swine flu vacc.

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''It does seem as if there is a higher patient awareness of influenza at the moment and that is a good thing.''

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Let's hope this awareness makes people STAY HOME when they're sick and practice better hygiene when it comes to the flu. I'd rather people did that than run out for flu shots and continue to spread germs when they get sick.

Lulu unfortunately in our sanitised society many people are unaware (thankfully) of the impact of influenza on those with compromised immunity.

"I've got the flu" is probably the most overused statement that is used. Influenza A is a hideous illness that goes on for weeks and weeks. In those with compromised immunity (pregnancy, young kids, elderly, terminally ill etc) this disease can in fact become life threatening.

Having said that I was stridently advised to have Imogen vaccinated before she was transferred from the tertiary hospital she was in & I declined. She was actually later found to have a condition that she wouldn't have withstood that vaccination.

It is my personal opinion for my children that I would not risk the side affects. like another poster I protect my kids as best I can with quarantine when they are unwell, good quality food, sleep, water & no exposure to big crowds etc.

I also am not advised to vaccinate my kids - I though live in an area with a very very low vaccination rate.

Lulu - no mention of flu shots has ever been made for my kids either (and DS has asthma... albeit very mild.. but it's triggered when he gets sick). Even my 76yr old mother has never been recommended the flu shot, in fact she's been told not to bother with it. I love our GP :)

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"I've got the flu" is probably the most overused statement that is used. Influenza A is a hideous illness that goes on for weeks and weeks. In those with compromised immunity (pregnancy, young kids, elderly, terminally ill etc) this disease can in fact become life threatening.

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I believe this too. I'm always hearing someone has the flu and I think they mix it up with a cold. Yep you feel yuk with a cold but it is VERY different from Influenza. If it's gone in a week its NOT the Flu!

i personally dont want my babies sick with the flu for over a week! that sounds horrendeous.. so does a reaction to the vaccine though.

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If it's gone in a week its NOT the Flu!

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Then I've never known anyone to have the flu.. ever.. so much for epidemics haha. I've heard of a saying.. not sure if it's for colds or flu.. but it's "3 days coming, 3 days staying, and 3 days leaving" so a general idea that a cold will last about 9 days.

I considered myself and the family to have had the flu, probably for the first time!, last year cos we were laid up with a temperature for a few days and were sore and achy. Normally we just get bad colds & coughs.. not fevers. Altho my kids do tend to fight off everything with a fever for a couple of days first. But we were SICK last year, not just coldy. That was just one batch of sickness we had last season tho... seemed to have endless sniffles & coughs the rest of the time :rolleyes:

I had swine flu last year and even with tamiflu, it took me two weeks to fully recover. My fever and coughing had ceased by day 3 (due to the tamiflu) but the residual side effects of the flu took almost two weeks. A girl at work had the flu and it took her almost a month (but she is in her 60's)

To clarify... If you are a well and healthy person you will recover much more quickly provided you rest, drink etc.

I had influenza A when I was pregnant with Imogen. I was on steroids which compromise immunity. I was sick about 8 weeks. I wasn't febrile with aches for that amount of time. I developed pneumonia - not uncommon with influenza as a nice little side affect. Again, I was on immuno suppressant drugs, I was pregnant, I was incredibly stressed...

Nobody wants their kids to be sick "over a week" with anything. It's about making a decision for yourself and your family based on factual information, intuition, life experience and your individual experience.

I wouldn't fly to India & drink the water without a cover for cholera. I wouldn't travel to PNG without anti malarials.

However, I also wouldn't give my kid the flu vax because it in my opinion is ineffective, can cause side affects that personally I wouldn't risk for my child & I care and feed my children well & do not rely on these things to prevent illness in my kids in my community.

We had a very well publicised measles outbreak here last year. I think that we had under 5 cases of measles at my kids school. This school has an almost non existent immunisation rate. (under 10% I "think")
The state school was almost forced to close with a 60% rate.

It's not just about vaccination. You have to factor in how you support your childs immunity, how you feed him/her, how you rest them, how you quarantine them, your lifestyle (if you hang out in big shopping centres frequently, travel on crammed PT, have an immune disorder etc etc) will affect your decision.

People who don't immunise don't think it's okay for their kids to be sick - they weigh up the risk with the benefit according to their information, gut feeling and experiences. :hug: