YES. At least that’s what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. At first, we were hesitant to have influenza vaccine for Gwen, if we can get by with minimal amount of drugs aside from the ones listed on the immunization schedule, then we’re good. We’re also glad that her pediatrician is a little conservative too when it comes to vaccination, she’ll say to us if it’s not really needed like the Rotavirus vaccine (Gwen doesn’t really need it since she we are breastfeeding that time and just observe cleanliness at all times.)
When we learned that flu vaccines for 2012 are now available at the clinic, we asked if it’s really needed. The doctor said the following reasons on why children need to have flu vaccine:
- If your child is exposed to a number of children everyday – Hence, it is very important to have a flu shot if your child goes to school. Diseases spread like crazy in classrooms. Also, even if your baby is still not in school but you have other children in the household that goes to school, you must also have your baby vaccinated. My nephew who is a preschooler is Gwen’s constant playmate, and more often than not, Gwen’s coughs and colds are courtesy of my nephew.
- If your child will be traveling – We’re bound to Hong Kong on November, and it’s winter by that time. It’s also the time when flu (bird flu, H1N1, etc.) are starting to manifest so it’s best if Gwen has protection.
Those are just two reasons why we decided to give it a go on Gwen’s flu shots. Other things you have to know about flu vaccine:
- US CDC recommends EVERYONE to have flu vaccine including children starting at 6 months.
- Two doses of influenza vaccine at four weeks apart are given for children for the first time.
- Annual flu vaccination is needed because flu vaccines change every year.
- The 2012 influenza vaccines protects from the following strains: A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-pdm09-like virus; A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus; and B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
- Fever may develop as a side effect after the flu shot was given. In Gwen’s case though, she didn’t have fever.
It’s really hard when your child is sick so prevention is better than cure, and though vaccines are expensive, it’s incomparable to the peace of mind and health that you can give to your child.
True! Health is wealth! Lia had her flu vaccine when she was 10 months old. Like baby Gwen, she wasn’t given the rotavirus too coz she was also being breastfed during the time that it was supposed to be administered. Vaccines are really not pocket friendly but the peace of mind that it can give is worth every penny 🙂
I was quite skeptical on Flu Vaccines, feeling ko parang money making scheme lang since there a lot of flu strains diba? You wouldn’t know which strain they’ll have eh.
Pero we had kailee vaccinated parin, 1st flu shot was last month. may 2nd shot pa ata eh! And its not cheap pala ha!!
Agree Mars!
Yep, 2 shots sila. Gwen just had her 2nd shot earlier. The 3 strains that this flu vaccine carries are the 3 most common, I think.
Anything just for their safety talaga.
I see flu as just a regular sickness like cough and colds, but I think it’s better nga to have flu vaccine for children.. 🙂 I’m not sure though if my toddler cousin was given shots for flu.
Yes,definitely. Kids should have the flu vaccine. My kids got every vaccine necessary as advised by their doctors. can’t leave anything to chance. Hopefully those would protect them from being affected by such conditions 🙂
Prevention is always better than cure especially for kid because it’s difficult for kids to get sick and having flu makes them prone to other diseases.
YES. They really need it, not just children, but all age brackets, I think. Influenza may seem to be a very simple illness, but it really incapacitates people. Including me. Haha. In the end, prevention is better than cure.
arg…this reminds me that i DO have to update the kids’ vaccine shots. it’s important to have them at the right time and an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!
Kids should always have their vaccine.
Flue can be fatal. So I make sure my kids got the necessary vaccines.
This made me think of my brother’s baby. He’s only 4 months old, and we also have a 5-year old niece who already goes to school. I’ll be asking the parents if they already gave the baby flu shots. Don’t want him getting sick. :/
I have always wanted my children to be protected from diseases that is why I try to keep up with their vaccine schedules.
this is good advie or reminder to everyone!! health is weath so never mind the money at least your safe! xx
Yes, I always believe prevention is better than cure especially for children. Sometimes parents are not aware that there is something wrong with their children so it is best to take the necessary precautions.
Kids are susceptible to virus. Flu vaccine is one of the needed vaccines for them. It’s good that you’ve your family doctor about this.
I work in the hospital but I haven’t received any shot of flu vaccine yet. haha. Will have it soonEST. 🙂
Kids need flu vaccines for protection, especially during winter. I havent had one though. i am just a little bit scared since it will cause you fever daw. Hehehe.
I agree with Franc, prevention is better than cure. It’s better to spend a small amout for the vaccine rather than for expensive medicines and hospital bills diba?
Our girls were all born in Germany, and they are very thorough with their vaccination there.
We are lucky to have had a very gentle, understanding, thoughtful and in our feelings very competent pediatrician.
It helped a lot in talking about vaccination not only when and what the girls needed but also about our fears and misgivings. The whole process became easier with the pediatrician being patient not only with our girls but with us. 🙂