Flu Vaccine for 2 Yr Old?

I do most of the normal immunizations for my children, but do NOT do the flu shot. The benefit doesn't outweigh the risk in my mind. It's basically a convenience vaccination, and as a SAHM it's not necessary for me since I don't have to worry about taking days off work. My kids are very healthy and rarely get sick. We just try to eat healthy, stay active, and drink lots of water. And this time of year especially, I have my kids constantly wash their hands (before eating, after playing at the park, after going out in public). That's the best prevention there is.

I give both my kids the flu vaccine every year. I would recommend it. And I surprised to hear your doctor doesn't push for it. I would get it considering your sons past respiratory history.

:)

Hi L.. I would encourage you to have your son vaccinated agains the flu this year and every year. My 3 y-o son has had his vaccinations every year and so has his daddy. Last year, thinking that mommy is invincible, I decided to forego getting my shot. Well...I got a serious case of the flu. I had a fever of more than 102 degrees for five days and when the fever broke, I had lost my hearing in my right ear. To make a very long story short, a secondary infection settled in my ear and even with much medical intervention, I have lost 50% of my hearing and it probably won't come back. To add insult to injury, I was ill at the same time as my son's third b-day and he was short-changed on his party. Get your family innoculated. Keep yourself healthy, too, because when mommy is sick, life is very hard for the whole family. Good luck with the new baby!

I would urge you to check out this article before making your decision! (just cut and paste to your browser) Good luck http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/1...

Hi L., I have a 9 and 6 yo. They have NEVER gotten the flu shot and my 9 yo has had perfect attendance at school 3 years in a row and only missed 2 days the last 2 years (one day each year). I haven't gotten a flu shot in probably 6 or more years and I have only had sniffles from my allergies. Maybe we are lucky, I don't know, but I don't like getting shots (vaccinations) or anything else for my kids. I think a good point was made about staying healthy and keeping hands washed. Good luck to you whatever you decide!

Hi,
I'd go ahead and get the flu shot not only for his protection, but for the rest of the family also. A number of studies have shown that protecting the children reduces the flu in older people also, even if the older ones are not vaccinated.
Thanks,
E.

Both of my kids have gotten the flu vaccine since the first year of their life. My youngest is 10 months old and he has already gotten his this year. My oldest got his first one at 7 months. I completely believe in this vaccinne. Getting the flu can be so much worse and possibly result in a hospital stay.

I have given both of my children the flu vaccine since age one. With that being said, I did not give them the vaccine this year. They have never had the flu and I was hoping to see if they can make it through this season without getting sick. They are now three and five.

Wow, I was surprised to see that all mamas who replied had got their children the flu vaccine, so I thought I'd give my 'story' as one who didn't ;-)

I have a 4-year-old and 2-year-old and they've never received the flu vaccine. I just never considered it important. I've never had it either. My only experience with the vaccine was when I was the only one of my friends at work who didn't get it and the only one who didn't get sick. Since then, I've been a bit apprehensive of the vaccine (since everyone I know who's had it has gotten sick!) I'm not against it, it's just something I've never done.

And, I have had my children vaccinated regularly (during the regular checkups..), so I'm not anti-vaccinations!

I am vaccinating both of my sons, ages 1 and 3 1/2. The older has asthma, so I feel it is important to protect their health. Most of the time, the flu is just inconvenient, but it can lead to pneumonia or worse symptoms. I would rather do something preventative than risk spending the evening in the urgent care or the ER with a really sick child.