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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Flu jab for toddlers - do you?

25 replies

mrsschneebly · 15/10/2025 14:33

Older dc get it in school so never really had to think about it. Have had a text from GP regarding my 3 year old. Do you take them up on this? Nobody in our family has had the flu before (touch wood!) but I know it can be very nasty.

OP posts:
ResusciAnnie · 15/10/2025 14:38

It’s not a jab, if that’s what’s worrying you??

Yes all 3 of my kids have always had it.

Had a nightmare getting it for 3yo DD this year - docs offering only half term when we’re away; they say to ring pharmacy to book; pharmacy says to ring 119; 119 say they can’t book for under 18s…. Eventually tracked down a local pharmacy that did it walk-in!

I had my jab too as was invited, no idea why I was offered but I took it!

Fionaville · 15/10/2025 14:38

No, none of my kids have ever had a flu jab. They get all of their other vaccinations though.
I've only ever had it once and following on from it was my worst year for colds and lingering coughs. Purely anecdotal and probably coincidence, but I've never had the jab since. Seems OTT for a 3 year old to have it imo.

NuffSaidSam · 15/10/2025 14:39

Of course. Why not?

It's not a jab though, they spray it up their nose like with the older kids.

nightmarepickle2025 · 15/10/2025 14:40

Mine always have it. Grandparents provide a lot of childcare so it’s to protect them as much as the kids

JJZ · 15/10/2025 14:41

Absolutely. And it’s not a jab!

Flu can kill healthy adults and children.

SnuffleTruffleHound · 15/10/2025 14:41

Flu "jab" is standard for all children. Drs run clinics for under school age children, school age get it in school. It's a nasal spray though rather than an injection.

Original poster
mrsschneebly · 15/10/2025 15:18

Sorry yes I know it’s a nasal spray rather than an injection. I haven’t ever had it and when my older dc (who are both now in high school) were little it wasn’t a common thing. So I’m just asking for opinions and experience not because I’m against getting it.

OP posts:
Lottie6712 · 15/10/2025 17:41

Mine has always had it. It's really quick and I've never seen any ill effects afterwards. I always get it too. I hate flu.

NoWeaponsOnTheTable · 15/10/2025 17:47

Both of mine always have theirs.
Youngest has mild asthma which can turn nasty even with a slight cold.
I know it's not 100% effective and people think it's OTT but you can't shut the stable door once the horse has bolted.
Even healthy folk can suffer very severe symptoms with flu.

Bitzee · 15/10/2025 17:48

It’s super easy, done in 2 minutes with the nurse, and doesn’t hurt like a jab would so I don’t see why you wouldn’t given that 3YOs aren’t exactly known for the hygiene so tend to pick up a lot of bugs from nursery.

Swiftie1878 · 15/10/2025 17:48

Not for us. Had all the other vaxes though.

Strop · 15/10/2025 17:52

SnuffleTruffleHound · 15/10/2025 14:41

Flu "jab" is standard for all children. Drs run clinics for under school age children, school age get it in school. It's a nasal spray though rather than an injection.

Yes it's standard but for pre-school children you have to potentially take time off work to take them to the appointment whereas it's really simple for school age children who just have it done in school.

AnneLovesGilbert · 15/10/2025 17:59

Yes, older DC’s had it every year since eligible and toddler had first one a week ago. The toddler had flu last year before he was old enough for the vaccine and it was absolutely fucking terrible. Bring on the vaccines I say.

Fupoffyagrasshole · 15/10/2025 18:04

I missed out on getting my 3 year old daughter it last year before we went off to Thailand in September for 8 weeks (was meant to but they had no stock!

so I left it and she ended up in hospital twice with flu on the trip 😭😭

she was really sick for nearly 2 weeks it was an awful dose

il never miss it again

diggermama · 15/10/2025 21:29

Mine had it 2 weeks ago, I didn’t hesitate

Original poster
mrsschneebly · 15/10/2025 21:32

Apparently it can be done at several pharmacies locally on a walk in basis so I’ll try that tomorrow rather than attempt to get through to my GP.

OP posts:
Bumbers · 15/10/2025 21:33

Of course get it! My 2 and 4 year old both have (as have DH and I)

Londonrach1 · 15/10/2025 21:33

Of course. It's just up the nose.

FuzzyWolf · 15/10/2025 21:34

Yes, always. My then four year was in hospital for a while with flu.

If none of you have had it then you won’t have any natural antibodies to it so increases your risk.

Fleur405 · 15/10/2025 21:43

Yes my 3 year old had it this year and last year. Flu can kill - the last big epidemic was in 1989 and thousands of people died. The elderly and the young are most vulnerable.

HeyThereDelila · 15/10/2025 21:47

Yes, it’s just a nasal spray. Get it booked.

Esthery · 15/10/2025 21:51

It'll also give them generally increased immunity to flu over years, as well, since the vaccine does change each to capture the most common strains circulating at that time.

Grapewrath · 15/10/2025 21:54

No, flu isn’t dangerous in the vast majority of healthy children. My kids aren’t asthmatic or anything I’d be worried about.There are side effects to the spray and I prioritised my children’s health over the flu risk to others.
We rarely had any contact with anyone elderly or vulnerable.

StarDolphins · 15/10/2025 21:55

My DD has the flu nasal jab and I have the jab too.

My friend works ITU and has had very poorly kids and adults in with flu so I’m very grateful to be offered it.

SophiaSW1 · 15/10/2025 21:58

If you’d ever had flu you’d want to prevent your child from getting it. It’s grim. It’s just a nasal spray. It’s a no brainer.

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