Flu vac for a nine-year-old?

[suedonim]

DD2, who's nine, has been called for a flu jab. She's mildly asthmatic. I don't know whether to have it done or not so it's over the Court of Mumsnet for opinions. Dd's asthma really doesn't bother her much now but otoh I understand that the more people who are vaxed against flu the less chance there is for bird flu to take a hold. Also, we are planning to move to W Africa in Jan and don't have any idea what, if any, plans they have for dealing with ordinary flu, let alone bird flu. I'll add that I'm not paranoid about bird flu but as the press are having a field day with it I feel I should take it into account.

My dd has it, she's 12 next week,and has significant congenital heart disease. She's never had any problems other than a sore arm. Our Gp has currently run out and if it isn't available within the next 10 days I'm going to look at having it done privately. I'm also thinking about her having the pneumovax this year too as she's just started at secondary and has already had a couple of dodgy bugs.

If this is her first jab I think they normally have it in two parts, 4 weeks apart.

DD2 used to have it for several years but not as young as nine - she was mildly asthmatic too but didn't start going to asthma clinic until she was maybe 12 and then had flu jabs for a few years. She is 20 now, they keep calling her for jabs but she hasn't needed an inhaler for several years so she doesn't go.

Under the present circs I think I'd accept it for your DD, suedonim.

DS2 has had it twice already (at 2 and 3) for moderately severe asthma (two hospitalisations). His asthma seems much milder now and only virus induced, but he, DS1 and DH, both of whom are mildly asthmatic, have all been called.

I'm only mildly asthmatic but got flu (fortunately, not badly) in January. I was shocked at how fast my lung capacity deteriorated (I'd certainly got lax with my meds previously) and I'm still not 100% and having to stick to the preventors religiously (whereas before I only needed them in the run up and after a cold).

I'm getting a flu jab this year. Don't know if that helps.

I think I will take up the offer for dd. 26yo asthmatic ds2 has the jabs - he's already had a terrible chest infection this autumn, so I think it's definitely the best thing for him, also asthmatic dd1 who gets chesty coughs. I think it was just that 9yo seems v young but Singersgirl's ds is much younger, so it's obviously approved for children.

Dh has emailed to say he thinks dd should have it done as our diet abroad isn't likely to be that great and the extra protection will be worthwhile. Dd2 is going to very pleased - not - about having jags, as she needs others to go abroad.

What's the pneumovax? I've heard of it but I'm not sure what it protects against.

Ds has had these for the last 3 years now, so starting when he was 7 or 8. He's never had any problems. He only has mild asthma most of the time, but when he does get asthma it is always virus-induced, so I was glad of it. I would go for it if I were you, for what that's worth!

Appt booked for 5th Nov! Thanks to everyone for for your replies.

Pneumovax info here .

That's v interesting, Potty. It looks as though ds2 might benefit from having that.

please look at the pneumococcal meningitis thread, pneumovax is one of the jabs that can prevent this hidden meningitis.

Thank you, Izzybiz. Having read that thread I think the pneumovax is one vaccination that we need to live in W Africa. Dh had a jag about 6wks ago but I didn't know what it was at the time. It's becoming clear now so thanks again.

DS who is also asthmatic has had his this afternnon {he is 10 years}

He has been having the flu jab for years sorry can't remember how many atm but lots of times