thoughts on flu vax?

[4JMJ]

I need to preface this by saying that, up to this point, our kids are fully vaxed (with the exception of declining rotavirus for the baby). I am trying to become more educated about what goes into my kid's bodies and the pros/cons of vaccinations. The baby is scheduled for his 1 year checkup tomorrow and I'm pretty sure that they are going to offer the flu shot. And I know it is about that time for the older kids to get it as well. In all years past we have done the flu vax, this year I am considering declining because I am wondering if it is really necessary. For those of you who decline the flu vax (especially those with infants/toddlers), can you please share your thoughts on the flu vax? I know it's a pretty general thing to ask, but as I said I'm trying to become more educated. I also need some sound info to present to my husband (he isn't really fighting me on it, but would feel better with more info). Thanks for any help you can give!

[PaMomOf4]

Sorry to say I don't have any good reason for not getting the flu vaccine. Except that my hubby & I have noticed these bugs get stronger every year & we want our children to be able to have protection when they are older (middle age adults, etc.) Plus, our kids are not in daycare settings & we believe their bodies are able to fight off any infections they do contract. They are not immune-suppressed at all (15 yrs., 4 yrs. & 2 yrs. old).

Our ped. tried really hard to persuade me that all 5 of us receive the flu shot before our new baby is born around New Year's Eve. But, in regards to new baby, he/she will be breastfed & we believe this will offer baby protection needed.

Good Luck with your decision! This is a difficult one!!

[Bokonon]

I don't believe the flu vaccine is necessary or effective. Additionally, this year it is being combined with the H1N1 flu vaccine, which makes me increasingly wary.

http://www.naturalnews.com/029641_va...k_science.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62I3MK20100319

http://organichealthadviser.com/arch...ncy-do-not-mix

http://drtenpenny.com/the_truth_about_the_flu_Shot.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...thousands.aspx

[mmhinton]

I'd definitely recommend reading through at least some (as much as you have time for before your appt tomorrow!)!

The flu shot, in particular, is very concerning to me and there are more and more studies showing the LACK of efficacy for it (meaning that it really doesn't work!). And, so often when the media (or whoever) is talking about "how bad" the flu is or flu deaths, etc the problem is usually with complications (like pneumonia, for example) or other problems that are not actually the flu... but "they" tend to overlook those facts in favor of scaring the public

Also, there are plenty of natural ways to help the body fight / recover from the flu. Homeopathic remedies, vitamin D (D3 in particular), whole (organic as possible) foods, etc.

Good luck!

[littlec]

Good for you for doing research! I have links to pages on the CDC site about the diseases and a link to the package inserts for all the vaccines...it can help you figure out which vaccines you want and when. Let me know if you want them.
As far as the flu shot, it's basically innefective in kids under 5. So, really, I'd hold off until at least that point. Good luck!
http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab004879.html

[4JMJ]

Thank you SO much for all of this helpful info, I'm going to be doing a lot of reading tonight!!
The more I think about it, I think I am mainly worried because they say infants are in the "at risk" group and that gets my defenses up. But I think that's just part of the ploy to get you to mindlessly accept the vaccines!

[WifeofAnt]

I haven't read through all of the other sources and I wish I could find the one I was reading the other day but I guess some agency in Canada was testing samples sent in that were suspected of being swine flu and found that barely 15% of them were even a strain of influenza! Obviously the flu shot isn't going to protect you against a flu-like disease if it isn't actually the flu!