I had made a decision for my children not to have the flu last year...especially after the terrible tragic side effects from last year.
But going to the GP this morning has made me question that decision for my younger two.
He said because of the severity of DD3 asthma (particularly because she has been in ICU with it) and because my DS4 CLD (chronic lung disease) and asthma they are in the high risk group for the flu and the peads at PMH are recommending all high risk children be vaccinated.
Apparently they have now gone back to the old flu vax and it is not the same as the one used last year.
We have all had swine flu (both my younger girls where hospitalised) except for bub.
I am now confused...do I take the risk of getting it or the risk of not.
Can anyone help me out with some more information please.
I want to make an informed choice.
It is really hard to know what to do, isn't it? Especially after the complete ****up last year
I'm not getting it, but my kids are not 'at risk' and I don't know what I'd decide if they were. My understanding is that the general recommendation is that those at risk get it, because (assuming its efficacy) the risk to them of getting flu is greater than any risk of the vax.
I got it myself to minimise the risk to our DD, who has asthma. She suffered with alot of asthma last year but I didn't want her to get the flu injection, so I thought I'd get it instead. I work in an office in the CBD & catch public transport, so am exposed to alot of people. So far this year, she has had only a couple of minor asthma incidents but I will wait until full on winter before I decide if it was even helpful for me to get the vax.
The fluvax vaccine that they used last year was responsible for the problems as it combined the two 'normal' flu strains as well as H1N1 (swine flu). I don't see a problem if you went back to the original vaccine. I would also be trying to boost their immune systems as well with probiotics etc to help maintain a healthy gut both before and after the vaccines as well.
Thank you so much for your responses.
Thanks MadB it is difficult...it is so hard to know if you are doing the right thing.
RhiChiChi I hope you have a well winter and your DD's asthma doesn't flair up to much.
Thanks Trillian I appreciate the advice.
I really think that I am leaning towards getting it, they have both spent far to much time in hospital as it is if I can do something to minimise that then it is worth thinking about.
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Flu vaccine for 'at risk' children
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