Mercury-Free Shots for 3-year-olds at DC Clinics? (I am pregnant)

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if the mercury-free injections are available for 3-year-olds at the DC clinics? I am pregnant, and for this reason prefer that my DC get a shot rather than using the mist, but have read on these boards that the Novartis (mercury-free) shots are only for 4-year-olds and up. Is this true? (FWIW I am planning to get vaccinated as well).
Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Do some research but the CDC website says there is no risk if you are pregnant and a family member gets the mist.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for your reply. However, I spoke to my OB's office and they said that my DC should NOT receive the mist, even if I am vaccinated at the same time. I also called the 311 (DC go'vt info); they told me they don't have any mercury-free shots for children yet.
So I'm not sure what to do at this point...

[Anonymous]

Hum, it is so crazy how different doctors have different recommendations. My OBGYN said it was fine for my child to get the mist and I found several credible articles online that said the same thing. My child got the mist and I got the Novartis shot. But of course, you should rely on the advice of your own doctor because they know your medical history/specific situation.

This is a link to the CDC website: http://answers.flu.gov/questions/4591

[Anonymous]

Yea, I read an article somewhere that said because the virus in the mist spray is a cold virus (temperature), it can't live past the part of the nose and therefore can't get you sick by entering your lungs or be passed on to anyone else to get them sick.

If there is a big concern though, you might as well just give your child the regular shot. Regardless, you should definitely get the Novartis shot to protect yourself and unborn baby.