Flu Vac for kids: Anyone getting it or done it?

I haven't ever got my DD a flu vaccination in the past, but have for myself and husband. I am just debating whether to get the shot for my DD who is 3yrs. She's never had any type of reaction to any of her immunisations other than usual slight swelling at site.

Gold Coast (and of course most other areas in Australia) had a nasty gastro / flu going around last year and wondered if I should get it done? I know the flu shot is for past years strains but have been informed that the flu vac is constantly being updated with any flu strains that are happening around the world so may still catch any strains that come to Australia in the future but obviously not a guarantee.

Just interested to hear others opinions and if anyone is intending to get their kids done or have done in the past. I know it's two injections, 6 weeks apart for the kids but am in two minds about it.

I wont be getting it for me or the kids.

I am getting it for my DD this week. She is in daycare two days a week and after last year, I'll feel safer if I get it done.

I've gotten it for Charlie. It's half dose and another half dose in a month.

Charlie has illness induced asthma, so anything that may reduce the incidence or severity of the flu, which in turn would reduce the incidence of asthma, is worth doing in our particular circumstance.

Myself and my children won't be getting it either.

Perth had a nasty version of the flu last year where a couple of toddlers died and that has alone influenced me for the first time to get the flu injection for the kids - they have already had their first dose. I chose not to get it for myself. WA is also offering it free this year to children under the age of 5.

Incidentally DH (and in fact most of his family too) are totally opposed to it and so he was a peeved off when Alex developed a cold straight after getting the first injection - boy did I hear the "I told you so". :rolleyes:

My DS just had it his first half injection yesterday. My niece who is 12 months did and my nephew who is 3 also had his for the first time.

I havent really thought about fluvax until the nasty breakout in perth lastyear, when some children died from it.

I haven't had it though and wont probably.

I wouldn't get it and I won't let my daughter.

Like Sushee my DD is quite a severe asthmatic so i will be getting her done this week. Every cough, cold or sniffle in our DD results in an asthma attack so i am willing to try and prevent anything i can. Last year we had about 8 trips to the ER with attacks due to colds and flus :( No one else in the house will be getting though.

Awww you poor things, is it asthma season? Is it worse in winter? I am so glad its something I don't have to worry about - I bet its so worrisome for you :hugs:

tears_of_joy, I'm the same, I'd never thought of it until last yr when Perth got hit bad. I remember being pregnant with Maddie watching the news with all the parents lining up at princess margaret, that scared me!

It's both for me Kelly, atm my asthma is playing up too, and yes it can get worse in winter. For me the change of weather, all the pollens in spring or the wind will trigger off my asthma.

As it's me with the asthma though, I won't bother with it. If it were one of my kids I "might" have to rethink it.

I won't be getting my DD#1 done (or myself). Touch wood, I seem to have an incredibly healthy little girl who has not had a single day of illness in her life. She doesn't go to daycare, mother's group etc and my DH works from home so we have pretty limited contact with the outside world that we don't control. I did think about it given I'll be having a newborn in the house too, but I think the negatives outweigh any gain in our particular circumstances.

If I were in Hoody and Sushee's position though I'd be at the front of the line.

One of the children that died from the flu last year was the grandson of one of my workmates. Such a tragedy.

Both DH and I got our flu shots done this year (work offers it every year) and DS2 will get his next week. I expect we're going to be doing that every year from now on.

As for asthma, I react to food - mangos, grapes etc. Charlie only needs to get the slightest sniffle to set him off, but so far nothing else besides illness affect him, which I am grateful for. It could be worse, he could be like my mum, whose asthma can be set off by laughing, crying, weather, food, perfume, certain detergents, certain medication, the list does on!

DD1's asthma is very much illness induced as in sushees case with her DS. We always have a grumpy girl one day, an attack in the night and then i can guarantee that within 24 hours she will show signs of been unwell and sure enough it will be a cold, tonsilitis or ear infection etc but even a normal cold seems to go straight to her chest and if not careful we end up in hosy. I am hoping the flu shot will help with the many trips to ER etc. I too am asthmatic and sushee's mums list of triggers is me down to a tee. Even orange cordial, deoderant and yes laughing and crying set me off. I do get worse if i am sick but i will not be getting the shot for my self as i am trying to be optomistic that i wont be getting the flu this year :cryinglaugh: I dont have time to.

Nope, not for me or mine.

DP and I got it done as we both had 2 weeks off work last year with the flu - we also gave the flu to DD :( It was just awful!! Hopefully if we are immunised, we won't get and then she won't get it (fingers crossed). I prefer us to be immunised than DD but if she gets it again this year then I might have to get her done next year. She also had suspected illness related asthma symptoms so we do need to keep an eye on that side of things.

My DH gets it every year through his work (Ambulance Service), i have never had the shot or the flu and i have not considered it for DS, for us, we feel that the risk isn't too bad.

Thanks for all the replies :)

We've decided not to get DD done this year but will get ourselves done. We're lucky to have a very healthy kid. She has a lot of exposure to other kids through the week and think her immune system is pretty high with all the 'germs' she's constantly introduced to. Hopefully by getting us done we'll reduce some of the available avenues for it to come into the house.

Hoping for a safe winter for everyone. Sad to hear so many kids have asthma, must be worrying.

I haven't decided yet to be honest. It's free in WA this year which makes me wonder if I should, especially since the fatalities last year.

I don't know much about the vaccinations. Could someone please let me know the pros and cons of getting it done?
I hate vaccinations and haven't even thought of getting it for me or my DD, but considering some children have died from the flu maybe I should. I don't know.