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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Flu nasal spray or not for Children.

109 replies

AG29 · 06/12/2019 10:18

Don’t want to then this into a debate. DC’s school are doing them early next week. Seems a bit late to be doing them but anyway. A lot of their peers are not having it which is of course the parents choice.

I am hearing conflicting things. Do your children have it or not? I don’t have much time now to do thorough research on it.

I have opted in at the moment but unsure..

OP posts:
DaisyDreaming · 06/12/2019 10:21

I would allow it, flu is nasty. The only thing is it’s a live vaccine so keep your kids away from any immune suppressed relatives for a bit

TwoleftUggs · 06/12/2019 10:22

Yes of course they have it. Why on earth wouldn’t they. Flu is awful and I will do everything possible to stop my dc catching it or worse still catching it and passing it on.

TheClaws · 06/12/2019 10:28

Yes, of course have it. Any mild discomfort they might feel (if that’s your concern) is much, much better than the actual flu. Plus, you will be helping protect the community around you.

Camomila · 06/12/2019 10:30

We always have all the vaccines offered, DS has his pre-school boosters this afternoon. Chances are he'll have a temperature tonight and be grumpy tomorrow (happened after all his baby vaccines) but its better than getting measles or mumps!
He just had a bit of a runny noise after the nasal spray but was fine.

Original poster
AG29 · 06/12/2019 10:39

Thanks all. My children have always had their routine vaccinations at the right times but never been as sure on the flu one as the parents I know all seem very divided.. DS is 8 and has had it every year since reception (I think). DD is 4 and I think she may of had it after her pre school boosters but cannot really remember!

OP posts:
Autumntoowet · 06/12/2019 10:41

Yes, and mine is not 3 yet.

Scotsrule · 06/12/2019 10:42

Mine has had it every year and never had a problem.

Gone to high school, hasn’t been given one there and he has caught the flu and been really unwell. I would snap their hands off if it’s offered.

ApacheTomcat · 06/12/2019 10:45

Mine have had it every year that it's been offered and have had no side-effects or other problems.

IggyAce · 06/12/2019 10:50

My ds doesn’t because he has asthma and when he had it as a toddler two years running we ended up in A&E in crisis. He does receive a flu jab vaccine at the GPs.

pooopypants · 06/12/2019 10:51

DC5 had it at school, DC3 will.be getting it at the Drs next week. Was meant to have it 3 weeks ago but then caught a cold, followed by croup. Mine have it every year - if you can help prevent them catching flu, why wouldn't you?

dementedpixie · 06/12/2019 10:51

Mine got theirs when they were eligible with no issues.

sidesplittinglol · 06/12/2019 10:53

Ours haven't had them as they contain a form of animal gelatine.

Sickofrain · 06/12/2019 10:56

Well never mind the old/ ill person your child has infected, as long as your vegetarianism stays pure.

If your child got very ill, would you refuse them non-vegetarian medicine?

dementedpixie · 06/12/2019 10:59

vegsoc.org/media-centre/flu-vaccines/ vegetarian society says

We understand many people may be conflicted about the idea of having to take non-vegetarian/vegan medicines, and some will find it upsetting. However, people should not put themselves at risk and should take medicines and vaccines they need, even if there are no vegetarian or vegan alternatives

PoppyFleur · 06/12/2019 11:02

I have had flu, I required hospital treatment (I do have an underlying health problem though). I felt awful for weeks and barely had the strength to walk to the bathroom. My child is vaccinated with the nasal spray and I have the flu jab. I want to play my part in preventing my child (and anyone else for that matter) going through the flu experience I had.

BertieBotts · 06/12/2019 11:03

I would go for it. I am much happier with a nasal spray than a needle.

Emmacb82 · 06/12/2019 11:28

Definitely have it. Mine had his a few days ago and apart from a few sniffles has been fine. I’ve had mine too as I’m pregnant. I would take the slight side effects a million times over the actual flu (not just a bad cold that everyone likes to call the flu 🙄)

copperstrike76 · 06/12/2019 11:55

Definitely have it. We've never had any side effects and I think we are lucky to be offered it for our kids. Actually, I got myself vaccinated at Sainsburys this year too (also no side effects other than a sore arm). Will do the same next year.

Louise91417 · 06/12/2019 11:58

My ds 2.5, got his last week. Was told he may have runny nose for couple of days but he was fine..no side effects..prefer ds to get it than have a full blown flu. Its nasty enough for an adult to have but imagine a little one with flu and it maybe leading to something more serious..

Instagrump · 06/12/2019 11:58

My three kids have it every year. Since they were in nursery (now 12, 10 and 7) It has never caused any illness and they have never had the flu. Go for it. Flu is nasty.

lauryloo · 06/12/2019 12:01

My son had flu last Christmas. It was horrible. I was a bit undecided before, but seeing how unwell he was made me not question it again.

Madaboutthem2 · 06/12/2019 12:02

My DD had it three weeks ago. She got a nasty cold the day after with a fever. She was fine though. Probably just abit of side effect mixed in with a bug. I always get it done. I believe in herd Immunity anyway. Do it for others aswel as my DD x

BlaueLagune · 06/12/2019 12:03

never mind the old/ ill person your child has infected, as long as your vegetarianism stays pure

The elderly and vulnerable get the vaccine themselves.

greathat · 06/12/2019 14:44

Mine have had. My son has ended up with pneumonia from a bad cold, not risking flu!

DaisyDreaming · 07/12/2019 00:03

The elderly get it but lots of vulnerable people can’t have any vaccines