Flu shot

[Anonymous]

I was wondering how important is the second dose of the flu shot. My whole family got a flu shot back in the Fall. Our baby was 8 months then and I think we are supposed to get him a second dose. The doctor said I should do it, but I would need to take time off work and the baby is usually gets a low fever and sleeps hirribly after the flu shot. Can someone explain how important the second dose actually is?
Thank you

[Anonymous]

If your baby is 8 months old, and only got one flu shot this season, how could you know how they "usually" do after the flu shot. They weren't alive last flu season.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your baby is 8 months old, and only got one flu shot this season, how could you know how they "usually" do after the flu shot. They weren't alive last flu season.

He got one already in October or November. He is 11 months now. When he got his flu shot he had a mild fever for 24 hours...

[Anonymous]

It's important because if getting the flu vaccine for the first time -- like an infant -- you aren't protected until you get two. So if you don't get the second you just didn't protect your baby from the flu. Come on. You know why this is important. A minor fever from a vaccine isn't the same as the flu, which can be devastating for infants. Get the second shot. Next year you get 1.

[Anonymous]

Also I think you were supposed to do this 4 weeks later. Why on earth did you wait so long? You need to ask the doctor what to do and follow the advice. Are you anti-vax?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's important because if getting the flu vaccine for the first time -- like an infant -- you aren't protected until you get two. So if you don't get the second you just didn't protect your baby from the flu. Come on. You know why this is important. A minor fever from a vaccine isn't the same as the flu, which can be devastating for infants. Get the second shot. Next year you get 1.

This. 2 shots is the "normal" for babies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also I think you were supposed to do this 4 weeks later. Why on earth did you wait so long? You need to ask the doctor what to do and follow the advice. Are you anti-vax?

My baby got her first flu shot at 6 months and the second at the 9 month checkup.

[Anonymous]

yes, get it. my baby got the flu at 8 months because I forgot the 2nd shot.

[Anonymous]

Don't be lazy, OP.

[Anonymous]

Ok. I will take him on Monday... I feel like I am taking someone to the Ped once a week this year

[Anonymous]

If the doctor says you should do it, then do it. It's a horrible flu season. My DD who HAD the shot was out of school for a week.

[Anonymous]

They do half doses for babies, that's why you have to get two shots.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They do half doses for babies, that's why you have to get two shots.

I don’t think this is accurate.

But see the article about the child in Maryland who just died from sepsis from flu. Get the shot for God’s sake.

[Anonymous]

Get the second. It is very important. There may be a window you are supposed to get the second within, I can’t remember, but call and ask and go get it if you still can.

[Anonymous]

The CDC take on this:

Children younger than 5 years old–especially those younger than 2– are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications. A flu vaccine offers the best defense against flu and its potentially serious consequences and can also reduce the spread of flu to others. Getting vaccinated has been shown to reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, missed work and school days, and reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death in children.
…
When Should Children get a Flu Vaccine

Children should be vaccinated every flu season for the best protection against flu. For children who will need two doses of flu vaccine, the first dose should be given as early in the season as possible. For other children, it is good practice to get them vaccinated by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later can still be protective, as long as flu viruses are circulating. While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons flu activity peaks between December and February. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against flu virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community.

Special vaccination instructions for children aged 6 months through 8 years of age

Some children 6 months through 8 years of age require two doses of flu vaccine for adequate protection from flu.

Children in this age group getting vaccinated for the first time, and those who have only previously gotten one dose of vaccine, should get two doses of vaccine this season—spaced at least 4 weeks apart. Your child’s health care provider can tell you if your child needs two doses.

If your child needs the two doses, begin the process early. This will ensure that your child is protected before influenza starts circulating in your community.

Be sure to get your child a second dose if he or she needs one. It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/children.htm