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Original poster

Flu vaccine for 3 year old?

29 replies

Herts501 · 17/10/2023 16:08

I have just received an invitation for my 3 year old to have the annual flu vaccine. I'm hesitant and I don't really know why.
Perhaps it's all talk there has been about vaccines over the last couple of years. Whilst I appreciate that was not about the flu vaccine, I think it has just made me dubious without realising it.

Are you for or against the flu vaccine?

Please no lectures, I'm just looking for some reassurance (or confirmation). Thanks.

OP posts:
Labradoodlie · 17/10/2023 16:10

I’ve just given it to mine.

Do you want to look after a 3yo with flu, or catch it yourself from the germ-put of nursery via them?

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 17/10/2023 16:12

I had the flu in my late 20s. Was hospitalised and they (and me) didn't think I'd make it. Thankfully I did but plenty of fit, healthy young adults on the sane ward didn't.

I would start reading up on flu and its complications before you decide.

RoseAndRose · 17/10/2023 16:14

The highest groups for severe flu (including death) are the elderly, those with pre-existing conditions, children aged under about 10 and pregnant women

I get my DV vaccinated

even if you don’t get it badly, it’s a pretty miserable thing to have, and it can take 2-3 weeks to be properly better

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3 year olds Behaviour & development Children's health General health
Autumn1990 · 17/10/2023 16:18

It’s a squirt up the nose rather than an injection and mine barely notice it. I’ve been really ill with flu before and it’s no fun having a bad cold and trying to look after an ill child as well so I’m not risking it with flu.

Devilsmommy · 17/10/2023 16:18

Definitely get him vaccinated for flu, though isn't it a nasal spray now? Completely understand about you being dubious because of the seeming pointlessness of covid jabs but it's not the same as a covid jab at all. If you don't get it and your little one gets the flu you'd never forgive yourself, I know I wouldn't

pizzaHeart · 17/10/2023 16:19

My teen DD gets flu vaccine since she was 2 y.o. It’s recommended for her for health reasons. I get it as her carer. Obviously if yours are different circumstances you might feel differently but I’m really grateful that we can get this support. I missed it one year and was pretty unwell with flu, DD’s got it too but very lightly.

PerspiringElizabeth · 17/10/2023 16:20

Yep. They wouldn’t offer unless necessary - the NHS is ‘on its knees’ remember! Flu is nasty. My 2 have just had theirs at school. You had a flu vax in pregnancy I imagine?

SallyWD · 17/10/2023 16:21

Flu can be very dangerous for toddlers abd children so my children have always had it.

Taylorswiftserastour · 17/10/2023 16:27

Mine had the nose spray a couple of weeks ago, got a sticker, was delighted with it all.

I've had flu (proper flu, not just a bad cold) as an adult and it was truly horrendous. I'd rather not risk that for DS.

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 17/10/2023 16:41

Forgot to mention that DS got his flu vaccine before starting Uni. Neither of us wanted to be in the situation where he had 'flu and was away from home.

justkeepchanging · 17/10/2023 19:58

I've only had flu once in my life - am mid forties now, I was young and fit and it was awful, worse than Covid, glandular fever or any other illness I have had

febbabies2023 · 17/10/2023 20:00

@Herts501 if it makes you feel any better, I'm in the same boat! Not sure why I'm hesitant about it when he's had all his other vaccines...

SamanthaVimes · 17/10/2023 20:03

My 3yo had it a couple of weeks ago. It’s a nose spray one not a jab so didn’t even really upset her. Flu can be really nasty for little ones (like dangerous nasty, not just unpleasant like a cold) so we were happy to get it done!

anicecuppateaa · 17/10/2023 20:21

My 3 year olds had it this week too. I didn’t even notice the dr had done it because it was so fast!

Original poster
Herts501 · 17/10/2023 21:25

Thank you for your replies. I wasn't aware of how dangerous flu can actually be to little ones so that's certainly swaying me.
No, I didn't have the flu jab when I was pregnant as it was during the first lockdown in 2020, I wasn't going out or seeing anyone and so didn't feel at risk. I therefore listened to my inner sceptic and didn't have the jab partly because I didn't want to put anything in to mine or and my babies body unnecessarily. In retrospect perhaps I was ill informed but that's by the by.
It may sound silly to some but I think I am having doubts this time around partly because of the growing distrust for medical advice following COVID, the government and "big pharma" BUT I'm not sure whether that is correct in this case hence my further research.

OP posts:
Original poster
Herts501 · 17/10/2023 21:31

There was also public concern about the MMR vaccine which has had a bit of a influence on my tendency to question these things. I think we are lucky to have access to medication like this and certainly don't take it for granted but I just try to make an informed decision about every vaccine or medication I give myself and my LO as I don't trust medical advice blindly.

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TooBusyGazingAtStarss · 17/10/2023 21:33

Ive had repeated texts and a letter about the flu jab for my 2&3 year olds and ive just ignored them. Don't like that its a spray up the nose and tbh, I just don't trust it.

The doctors must get money for the amount they do because i did feel a bit hounded and only got one letter to book an appointment for the normal jabs they have as young children so why is this flu one being thrown in my face!

Its a no from me.

BHRK · 17/10/2023 21:35

I get quite cross about vaccine hesitancy. We’re extremely lucky to have them. Children used to die of polio and measles.
Children can also get very ill with flu. One of my DCs got flu and was hospitalised before they had chance to get a vaccine . It was very scary

Musiclover234 · 17/10/2023 21:35

I’ve seen so many children sick with flu (hospital) I can’t understand why you wouldn’t want to use a tried and tested vaccine to help try and not let your child be in that situation. It’s a nasal spray it’s so simple.

PS the public concern about MMR was caused by a doctor that was stuck off. You don’t follow medical advice blindly but I guarantee if your child was seriously ill in hospital with one of the illnesses you can be vaccinated against. You would be certainly following advice then.

SiouxsieSiouxStiletto · 17/10/2023 21:36

I don't trust medical advice blindly.

This is why I suggested reading up on 'flu and it's complications.

If you are thinking of not doing it, you need to be fully aware of everything that could happen.

vnoud · 17/10/2023 21:37

Herts501 · 17/10/2023 21:31

There was also public concern about the MMR vaccine which has had a bit of a influence on my tendency to question these things. I think we are lucky to have access to medication like this and certainly don't take it for granted but I just try to make an informed decision about every vaccine or medication I give myself and my LO as I don't trust medical advice blindly.

There was disproved misinformation spread about the MMR vaccine, I suggest you research using reputable sources.

DustyLee123 · 17/10/2023 21:39

Absolutely for it. Not only does it hopefully prevent the child getting flu, and any secondary infections/complications, but it hopefully prevents them passing it on to babies and those at risk.

Musiclover234 · 17/10/2023 21:39

TooBusyGazingAtStarss · 17/10/2023 21:33

Ive had repeated texts and a letter about the flu jab for my 2&3 year olds and ive just ignored them. Don't like that its a spray up the nose and tbh, I just don't trust it.

The doctors must get money for the amount they do because i did feel a bit hounded and only got one letter to book an appointment for the normal jabs they have as young children so why is this flu one being thrown in my face!

Its a no from me.

Wow just wow.
i take it you would be seeking the same medical help from the same doctors who are apparently profiting from the vaccines, when the children get sick?

DinnaeFashYersel · 17/10/2023 21:41

I lost my hearing a few years ago from flu and now have to wear hearing aids. In addition to that I was really ill for weeks.

I now never miss my vaccine and always ensure my child have it.

It's a really horrible illness.

Original poster
Herts501 · 17/10/2023 21:44

For the record, I didn't say that the concern about MMR was founded or that I agreed with it. I do agree with concern about other vaccines however so hence my original question.

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