Flu vaccination

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Dd2 has been offered the new flu vaccine nasal spray. I'm at this moment in time unsure as to whether to accept or decline. Mainly because its so new and side effects can include wheezing and high temperatures. Dd1 is asthmatic so obviously the thought that dd2 could have this jab and become wheezy and hospitalised does scare me.

I regret my decision to allow dd1 to have the swine flue jab as she was very ill within days of receiving it and I do not want to make the same mistake again.

So, any positive stories and warnings of side effects you believe were caused by giving your children the vaccination would be gratefully received.

I'm not after debates on vaccinations both mine are fully vaccinated but I do hope you can understand my hesitation.

TIA

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Yes thank you Gin

I think gone jab will be best for us. Mainly due to the transmission risk. Even if dd1 isn't at too much risk I'm afraid due to recent poor health my DM might be.

Thank you all for helping with the decision.

:)

[Sirzy]

Thank you gin

[Ginformation]

Anyone who wants to check this out for themselves, then look up the 'green book' which available through gov.uk. This is the DoH handbook for all immunisations. It is a truly riveting read

The nasal vaccine is live attenuated so there is potential to transmit flu to immunocompromised (eg on chemotherapy, some types of cancer, some inherited diseases affecting the immune system, HIV not stable on medication etc) individuals for 1-2 weeks after vaccine. People with normal immune systems are not at risk.

"Children aged six months to under nine years who are in clinical risk groups and have not received influenza vaccine previously or are being offered inactivated influenza vaccine for the first time should be offered a second dose of vaccine. All other children should receive a single dose of influenza vaccine, including those receiving live attenuated influenza vaccine, irrespective of whether they have received influenza vaccine previously."
(so if in a risk group a child who has never had the flu jab in previous years would need 2 flu injections, 4 weeks apart, or 1 nasal vaccine)

"The live attenuated influenza vaccine (Fluenz®) is not recommended for
children with active wheezing at the time of vaccination or severe asthma (BTS SIGN step 4 or above)* because of limited safety data in these groups."

*BTS/SIGN guidelines for asthma are googleable, but the BTS (British Thoracic Society) website seems to be down at the mo. Step 4 refers to 'persistent poor control' often these are the asthmatics who are under consultant care as the regular arsenal of inhalers/medication are not keeping things under control.

Still awake after reading that?!

[Ginformation]

Think you might be right sirzy. Hang on, will see what I can find re criteria...

[Ginformation]

We don't send out letters until after the initial stampede. Most know when flu season is. The newer risk groups all get invites as they may not realise they are eligible. We do put up posters, message on repeat prescription slips and website etc. there will also be a DoH campaign this year too.

If someone has a history of asthma but not needed inhalers for the last year, they may no longer be eligible/need for flu jab.

[incywincyspideragain]

not offended either as when I'm wrong I do need to check my facts nothing worse than miss information about vaccines and medication imo!
I missed the OP's description of her dd's asthma but picked up on the fact she had it - of course you are right the insert states 'severe' I would be interested to understand the criteria and why that criteria isn't on the insert also, if the manufacturer has stated severe the interpretation of that should be a universal one from them based on their trials and studies... one to ask our practise nurse

[Sirzy]

They had him booked for the spray but cancelled and said to book again at the end of the month. I am wondering if they realised they had booked him for the wrong one! I will check when we rebook. His is pretty severe (not controlled on high dose seretide plus other meds) so I am guessing sticking the the injection will be best for him.

[Ginformation]

Not on me now sirzy (I have a personal policy of not logging onto my work email when I have a week off ) but if you ask for a telephone consultation with your practice nurse, they should be able to tell you which is the best vaccine for you. All practice nurses who will be delivering the vaccine have been offered training as it is new (but used for the last 10 years in USA). Unless there is a practice nurse lurking here?

[BadRoly]

Wheresmycaffeine - dc4 gets a flu jab each year because he has a heart condition. We only had a letter from our old GP surgery but never from this one.

However he has had a vaccination each year as I phone the surgery and ask if he should have one and they've always said yes!

I don't know if I'm just organised enough to get in before they send letters our or if they just don't bother with letters anymore?

[Sirzy]

Gin - do you have a link to the criteria? DS is 3 and been offered the nasal spray as part of that campaign BUT he also has severe asthma so I want to make sure he gets the right one!

[Ginformation]

incywincy the nasal vaccine is only contraindicated for those with severe asthma with clearly defined criteria defining this. No offence taken on my part, but perhaps you should check your facts love

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

That's actually what I was thinking. Giving them both the jabs if drs agree. Plus I think it would be easier to inject quickly rather than shove up a nostril.

[incywincyspideragain]

Reading the package insert your dd1 should not be offered the nasal spray at any point as its contraindicative for children with asthma (really not meaning to be rude, and i mean that sincerely, but little concerned ginformation that as a GP you have said to the op that her dd1 will have the spray in subsequent yrs that's not what the fluenz information says)
Sorry that doesn't help your concern about transmission from dd2 to dd1 - I would suggest in reality no one really knows, the advice from manufacturer will be precautionary but you should take it on board when making your decision, if you did want then both vaccinated could you ask for both to have a jab? No sure if that's an option

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

We haven't been offered one in 4 years. Maybe they don't send letters out any more and that's why.

Her asthma has been pretty quiet past year or so which is but maybe that's why too.

[BeaWheesht]

Ds is nearly 7 he gets the flu jag because of his asthma - have you never been offered it? That's a big oversight - call and book one ASAP ( if you want one )

[Ginformation]

Your 7yo will be offered flu jab as she is in a risk group (as previous years). it will probably be the injection this year, but in the future all children above 2 will be offered the nasal vaccine. In some areas older children are getting the nasal version as a pilot which will be rolled out nationally.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Cos it's for kids aged 2-3 dd1 is 7

[BeaWheesht]

Why hasn't she been offered it? If she's asthmatic she's entitled to it.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

That part worries me. Dd1 is asthmatic and hasn't been offered a vaccination. Being sisters I can't keep them apart and the last thing she needs is the risk of catching it from dd2 through the vaccination.

[incywincyspideragain]

*pinklemon the spray is a live attenuated (weaker) virus - the insert states that those receiving the spray should stay away from immuno compromised people for 2 weeks after they receive the spray, that would suggest it can be passed on

[Pinklemon]

I'm undecided. I've spoken to my friend who lives in US, they only get the needle vaccines and not the nasal spray vaccines, although the nasal ones have been used in US for years.

[Pinklemon]

I'm undecided. I've spoken to my friend who lives in US, they only get the needle vaccines and not the nasal spray vaccines, although the nasal ones have been used in US for years.

[BeaWheesht]

Not afaik Pinklemon.

As I understand it the injected vaccine isn't a live vaccine so can't infect others and according to what I've read nor can the nasal spray.

[Pinklemon]

Can an unvaccinated child catch flu from a vaccinated child?

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Thank you :)