Flu Shot Reactions/side Effects

I would definitely decline any future flu shots for your daughter, report this to your doctor, ask if they will report this reaction to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System), and look into the possibility of egg allergy or allergy to any other component in the shot. Has she had noticeable reactions to other shots? Did she receive the thimerisol-free form of the flu shot (Flusone - single dose syringe)? Did she receive any other shots that day? I would delay and separate her upcoming 12-15 month shots (MMR, Varicella, etc). With my daughter, I waited to 18 months for the MMR, am doing the DTap and Hib at 21 months, and will do the varicella at 2 years. I am not getting flu shots for either of my kids this year (and their pediatrician did nothing to try to convince me otherwise...hmmm). Only hubby got one, so if we get sick and he doesn't, we'll find out if the flu shot is actually effective this year. Incidentally, a Cochrane Review of all research studies related to pediatric flu shots showed there is no evidence that the flu shot works for children under 2.

There is a 12-hour stomach bug going around that causes vomiting, headache and general low-energy malaise (my son had it last week), but your mention of the sudden runny nose makes me think allergic reaction.

I hope she is better soon.

As others have noted, she could be allergic to eggs -- at her age, has she eaten eggs yet? If so, did she have any reactions? Yes, do tell your doctor right away and ask questions. I'd add this since I am a believer in the flu shots:

1. Kids can get the shots and come home and be sick not from the shot but from other viruses they picked up in the doctor's office/day care/preschool etc. It's hard to tell at this age and hard to keep them from touching a surface in the doctor's office and then touching their faces. The sickness may have nothing to do with the shot. Right now lots of stomach viruses are speeding around--ask anyone with a preschooler-through-grade schooler. Also, your child could have picked up a virus before you even got to the doctor's office and it manifested after the shot visit. I'm not downplaying the fact she's genuinely sick, just noting that it may or may not be the shot itself that caused it.

2. If a young child catches influenza, he or she is far likelier than an older child or adult to end up with complications and end up hospitalized. Unless a child is allergic to a component of the shot like eggs, or has other immune system issues that preclude taking the shot, it is just good practice to get those shots--for the whole family. Even if they don't prevent the exact strain of flu that comes around, they do help lessen its severity (I learned that first hand last winter when I had the shot and got the flu but I've had flu plenty and know it was not nearly as severe that time.) It's your call but I always favor the shots, just get your child tested for egg allergies soon. Good luck!

I totally understand what you're going through! Earlier in the week, I posted a question about my two kids (9 months and 3 years) who had been sick for 10 days, but what I forgot to mention is that it started right after they each got their first flu shot. I realize that my pediatrician said that it's impossible to get the flu from the flu shot (because it's an incomplete flu strand), but a lot of people seem to get sick right after it. The way I figure it is that the point of the vaccine is to suppress your immune systems by making it create antibodies against the flu, and in the meantime it make your kid way more susceptible to catching something else, because the immune system is already busy trying to fight off the "flu." My kids seem to be better now, but I'm really sorry your little one is not feeling well!

The doctor we took my 9 month old to said to use a cool mist vaporizer, and I don't know how much your baby weighs, but she said you can use Children's Benedryl to help with the nose/coughing issues once the baby weights 20 lbs (mine is 19+). She said the dosage for a baby that small is 1/4 teaspoon.

Best of luck to you!

Be careful w/ those flu shots. I already have my resevations when it comes to vaccines as it is & I think she's a little young for the shot but I know the doctors are always forcing the issue. I have 3-none have ever got the flu shot until my oldest was 11/12 and I just allowed the baby to get the flu mist and she's 2. So just be careful and I hope the baby feels better.

Do you know if she is allergic to eggs? Egg is used in flu shots.

I would let your peditrician know about this reaction.

I think it is totally normal for a person to get a little sick after receiving the flu shot. It is just one of the side effects, but much better than catching the actual flu. If she doesn't get better soon and you are still worried, of course you should check with her doctor.