Flu Vaccine

I have heard that the flu shot can prevent sever and complicated forms of the flu. So when people get the regular flu that they don't have to be hospitalized, THAT'S not the flu they were getting vaccinated for. We are getting our flu shots. Doesn't mean they won't get fevers or throw up, it means they won't get influenza that puts them very sick in the hospital.

I would get the shot. It's strongly recommended until about 5 years old, then again for the elderly. His little immune system just isn't as ready to deal with stuff, and a flu infection that a healthy adult would get over in a week could put a young child or elderly adult in the hospital!! And it could lead to secondary infections, like pneumonia. I've gotten my kids flu shots every year since my youngest had RSV twice (and he was 14 months when he got it, so don't assume your "safe" yet) and the doctor said it was in his best interest to get EVERYONE in the house vaccinated. My kids have never never gotten sick off the shot, other than a few aches and pains, and they haven't missed more than a day of school at once for being sick -- I would call that effective!!

Just be sure to get the shot for you little one at a the pediatricians office or a play they recommend - to make sure that the people giving the shot know how to dose it, etc, for one so young (I have no idea if it's any different, but I wouldn't take any chances).

I think you have to do what you think is best for your child. I personally have chosen not to give them to my children because when I have they have been sicker than they have ever been. They never reacted to any of the imunization, but the flu shot was horrible. Even my husband won't get them anymore because it made him so sick a few years back and he has been fine since, hardly even a cold. I don't think they hurt, other than the shot themselves, but I don't think they do any good either. If you feel like you should, then do it, if not then don't. I think your child will be fine either way. It is a hard decision. good luck and I hope all goes well

despite what is out there medically, we only got them one yr. and we were sicker that year then any other. I haven't done it for 5 yrs. now and we just try to eat a lot of live food and wash hands and we do better. By live, I mean apples, oranges, things like that. I also give my kids chewable collostrum from the health food store. For some reason, it boosts their immune system. It is froma cow and costs about $25 a bottle but that will get you through the winter and we have saved a lot of money by using it. LASt yr. we all got the flu but so did 2 families I know that had the flu shot. Good luck.

I would say YES it is good to give a 23 month old a flu vaccine. From what I've researched the pros outweigh the cons overwhelmingly. A baby that age REALLY suffers when he or she gets the flu.

You should absolutely get the shot with a 23 month old. The chance of having any kind of problem is much much lower than the chance of having complications if your child does get the flu. Don't let anecdotes, emotion & freaked out people get to you. Look at the science and talk to medical professionals...and then get the shot!!! And have everyone living in your household get the shot, too. You are all considered high risk.