I was discussing the swine flu vaccine with our pediatrician yesterday and I asked him if you need to get it if you’ve already had the swine flu. He said that’s a very good question and his answer was not a resounding yes. It was more of a we’re not sure if you need it if you’ve already had the flu, but it wouldn’t hurt.
A neighbor doctor of mine said that it is important to get the swine flu shot so that the number of host bodies (people who can get swine flu) is dramatically reduced. In other words, it makes it more difficult for the flu to spread if there are less people who can get it.
i have mixed feelings on this issue and am leaning towards NOT getting it for the boys simply because from my understanding it is a live virus shot and they’re likely to get sick afterwards. THey’ve had the flumist with no complications as of yet but i am just worried about this new vaccine. Did your doc say anything about increasing their chances for getting sick after receiving it?
Nina, I take it you are going to get the boys the H1N1 shot? Our Ped. was on the fence about it when I asked her back in July. She also didn’t think there would be any doses left by the time my boys were able to get it (not having asthma or other high risk factors.) As it stands now I’m just hoping to get them the 2nd dose of the seasonal flu shot. Never done it before so they had to have the 2. Of course the Ped. ran out before their 2nd.
I don’t think Liam is going to be able to get the first dose since it is inhaled. He can’t get the Flumist because he takes an inhaled steroid every day. I have had several doctors (pediatrician, asthma/allergy doctor, and doctor at the hospital) tell us that Liam needs to get it. I am still not sure. Our pediatrician said the first doses won’t be available until November anyways, so I guess I have some more time to think about it.
We won’t do the mist either. If we get the H1N1 it will be when the shots come out.