would you give 1 year old flu shot?

Question

I have a qts @ the flu shot.
Going to dr today for 1 year immunizations.. Should I ask for the flu shot?
What are benefits/risks?

Answer 1

HI Jen

I have my own thoughts on this

Most Americans Surprised, Concerned that 90 Percent of Flu Shots Contain the Toxin Mercury. In 1999, government agencies called for the removal of Thimerosal, the mercury-based preservative in most vaccines. Then, in 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that, “mercury in all of its forms is toxic to the fetus and children, and efforts should be made to reduce exposure to the extent possible to pregnant women and children as well as the general population.” Despite these actions, 90 percent of this season’s flu vaccines still contain Thimerosal, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending the vaccine for pregnant women and children six months and older. These recommendations come on the heels of recent studies that reveal new findings about the neurological effects of mercury and question the effectiveness of flu shots. Mercury, the second most toxic element after plutonium, is estimated to be 500 to 1,000 times more toxic than lead.

Also here in california we have a law no younger then 3 years old can have a flu shot (passed in 2006).

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/vaccines.htm#kidsflu

Best of health to both of you

Answer 2

My daughter got the flu shot at age 1. Did very well. At that time, however, the flu shot was being given as a two step series for kids who'd never had it before - one shot now and another in a month or so. Once kids had had the two step series once, they were OK with getting a single flu shot in subsequent years so she's had the flu shot again at age 2 and 3.

Answer 3

In the country where I practice it is not recommended to give the flu shot to a child so young unless she is very high risk and would risk dying if she got the flu. The flu shot does not prevent getting the flu, unfortunately, and can have serious and deadly [though rare] complications. It is not worth the risk:benefit ratio to have it done. If your child were to get the flu, as long as she is in good general health she would be able to fight it off and recover so I personally would not have it done if it were my child. In my extended family, the only person getting a flu shot is my 88-year old mother who has COPD/emphysema and is NOT in generally good health.

Answer 4

The CDC recommends the flu shot for children starting at 6 months, but check with your doc to be sure.

Answer 5

Flu shot is recommended even for babies and pregnant moms. It is not preserved with thimerisal (mercury) anymore. (you can ask to make sure your specific shot does NOT contain it. My pediatrician doesn't carry any with Mercury/Thimerisal at all) Ask your doctor about the benefit/risks for your particular child (may have allergy, or other specific), And, go online to the CDC- Center for Disease Control to find out more general information.

http://www.cdc.gov/

Answer 6

You need to ask your doc about this from a medical standpoint. I can't even remember if the flu shot is recommended for children that young any more. I did flu shot clinics 2 years ago for an agency but I don't remember them recommending it at that age so PLEASE discuss this with your doctor and not posters on here.