Seasonal Flu Vaccine

[PfftTheMagicDragon]

I took DS and DD for a seasonal 'flu vaccination last week, they have not had it before. They both have asthma.

I am wary of unnecessary vaccinations so dithered about taking them, but having seen both of them hospitalised with asthma in the last two years I decided it was the right thing to do.

When I went to the appointment, the practice nurse showed the schedule to me. If a child under 5 has not had the vaccination the previous year, they should have a seasonal vaccination there and then, followed by a swine 'flu vaccination on the same day, followed by another seasonal vaccination in 4 weeks.

I thought that this was quite a lot, and questioned the need for swine flu again when it was included in the seasonal. The nurse couldn't seem to give me a decent answer, just mumbled about how it "boosted their system".

I said that I would consider it, and get back to her, but that I wouldn't give more than one jab on one day.

Can anyone tell me what the reason is for the three jabs?

Seems a but strange pfft. I was under the Impression that this year's seasonal flu included the swine flu strain so I don't know why you were offered it separately as well.

bubbley - yes, I asked this. She said "hmm it does seem like quite a lot" and then said nothing else.

DS screamed like a banshee when he was having the jab and it was such a job to restrain him that she suggested I think twice before bringing him back for the booster in 4 weeks.

WHich makes me a little as to how important it is.

very strange! Maybe that was the recommendation for last year when the seasonal flu vaccine didn't contain the swine flu element - to give them both at the same time? Great that she was so reassuring!

If it's the first time a child has had the flu jab then they get two doses. I don't see that they need a separate swine flu one this year though. Are you sure it was this year's schedule?

Thanks gibber - so it is normal to have two doses the first year. Does that apply to adults as well, or just children?

I suppose she could have been using an out of date schedule, I didn't see anything date-wise on it, but I wasn't looking.

When she said that DD should have swine flu as well, I did question, "even though the seasonal vaccine contains swine flu?" and she confirmed, which would make me think this was the correct schedule. Unless she was really clueless.

I was planning on taking them back for the second dose, just very confused about the swine flu addition.

I would have the 2nd seasonal but not the separate sf

Children not previously vaccinated with flu vaccine do need 2 doses 4 weeks apart. Adults (ie over 13s) don't need 2 doses.

They don't need separate swine flu vaccine this year unless immunocompromised.

I think she was looking at the wrong bit of the schedule - it is complicated but I think she has misinterpreted it.

Thank you both, I feel reassured now. It felt wrong to me. Glad I didn't let her have it now.