Flu Shot Booster

[twofourone]

Ok I will say that for myself I have allways had the flu shot..even though i have never had the flu...but I have asthma/allergies and it was allways reccomended. Then I had twin boys and my world changed. I rethink alot of things and have decided against the flu shot for them based on my peliminary research of the vaccine itself and risk/benifits IMO.

However a family member and I have been discussing Vaccines and she mentioned that her Daughter had a bad reaction to the Flu shot, and the Dr told her she still had to have the booster flu shot.

First of all I am not happy that they of course dismissed her concerns that she had a reaction, and told her to bad so sad you need a booster...But I was not aware that they had a booster for the flu shot..

Is there anyone who has done the footwork on this. How long have they been doing the booster in children under 9? Who manufactures the flu shot/booster so I can look up the drug pamplet online....

My understanding of the flu shot is that it is given yearly for the purpose of warding off the "anticipated" strain that year...which is why it is given yearly as the strain is constantly changing. So then based on my knowledge of the process how would the booster help the children going forward if it is only boosting for that years strain.

Also from my research the flu vaccine still contains thermisol....so with the booster that concerns me as I am not pro thermisol in vaccines...

We would really appreciate any info people have on this so we can be informed since this is news to me.

Thanks!

[Marnica]

You are correct in that there is no "booster" for a flu shot. The strains constantly change and mutate and every years shot is different based on "experts" best guess of which strains will dominate that year.

I would tell your friend to get a new doctor.

The following are vaccines given to children

Flumist (Intranasal) for over 2 yrs http://www.medimmune.com/pdf/products/flumist_pi.pdf

Fluvirin (agres 4 and up)
http://www.novartisvaccines.com/down...al_syringe.pdf

Fluzone (6months and older)
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Biologi.../ucm123704.pdf
(only contains thimerosol in multidose vials)

[FernG]

correct me if i'm wrong...

Before I researched anything, I thought that "boosters" were special vaccines that were given after the primary series was finished. Now, it appears that boosters are just an extra vaccine (same as all the other shots in the series unless you get a variation of a combo shot like DTaP/ TDaP, etc). They do recommend a flu shot "booster" (AKA, extra dose of the flu shot) for children receiving the flu vax for the first time. I have also heard of doctors recommending 2 flu vaxes per year for immunocompromised individuals.

[littlecindy]

Originally Posted by FernG

Before I researched anything, I thought that "boosters" were special vaccines that were given after the primary series was finished. Now, it appears that boosters are just an extra vaccine (same as all the other shots in the series unless you get a variation of a combo shot like DTaP/ TDaP, etc). They do recommend a flu shot "booster" (AKA, extra dose of the flu shot) for children receiving the flu vax for the first time. I have also heard of doctors recommending 2 flu vaxes per year for immunocompromised individuals.

yeah, we were recommended a flu shot and booster a month later for my roughly 10 month old.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by FernG

Before I researched anything, I thought that "boosters" were special vaccines that were given after the primary series was finished. Now, it appears that boosters are just an extra vaccine (same as all the other shots in the series unless you get a variation of a combo shot like DTaP/ TDaP, etc). They do recommend a flu shot "booster" (AKA, extra dose of the flu shot) for children receiving the flu vax for the first time. I have also heard of doctors recommending 2 flu vaxes per year for immunocompromised individuals.

Ah yes...forgot about the first timers. The fact that she had a bad reaction to the first one and this doctor is pushing for the second is dusturbing. My initial advice remains...get a new doctor!

[jlovesl]

The booster is for the 1st timers. After babies 1st 2 flu shots(6 weeks apart) they only need one a year. But they don't usually get them unless they are 6 months or older and in the flu season. My little guy got his 1st set of flu shots at 16 months because he was prem. and was to little the 1st flu season. Also he was getting RSV shots every month to help protect him from RSV. But we were also told by our ped. that if he had any reactions to not go for anymore of either shot. But lucky we had NONE.