H1n1 Flumist...ok For Celiac's And Allergies?

[RissaRoo]

I'm debating having my kids get the swine flu vaccine. We've never done *any* flu vaccine and never had any problem with getting the flu (I'm one of those people who'd rather not introduce extra chemicals into my kids' bodies if we don't have too...but I have done most of the major recommended vaccines for the kids). I have my doubts that swine flu is that much worse than regular flu, but then again I've heard so many horror stories that I feel like it might not be a bad idea.

Anyway, I'd rather have my kids take the flumist than the shot, because it has less preservatives in it. My son actually did respond badly to the DPT shot as a baby and had to be given a different variety...he's pretty sensitive to that sort of thing. He's 12 and has Celiac's and also allergies...do you think he'd qualify as "healthy" enough for the flumist vaccine? Anybody else thinking about this?

Thanks!

[momxyz]

Any allergies to egg would be a contraindication for either the seasonal or swine flu vaccine.

[shayesmom]

I'm debating having my kids get the swine flu vaccine. We've never done *any* flu vaccine and never had any problem with getting the flu (I'm one of those people who'd rather not introduce extra chemicals into my kids' bodies if we don't have too...but I have done most of the major recommended vaccines for the kids). I have my doubts that swine flu is that much worse than regular flu, but then again I've heard so many horror stories that I feel like it might not be a bad idea.

Anyway, I'd rather have my kids take the flumist than the shot, because it has less preservatives in it. My son actually did respond badly to the DPT shot as a baby and had to be given a different variety...he's pretty sensitive to that sort of thing. He's 12 and has Celiac's and also allergies...do you think he'd qualify as "healthy" enough for the flumist vaccine? Anybody else thinking about this?

Thanks!

Maybe I'm getting my news from odd sources, but from what I'm reading, it appears to be that the swine flu has mutated into a milder form as compared to the outbreaks we were seeing in the spring. I'm a little more concerned with the more recent report that seasonal flu vaccines may increase susceptibility to swine flu. Open Original Shared Link.

At any rate, the flu mist may contain less preservatives, but my concern there is that it is a live virus vaccine. Therefore, there is some viral shedding that occurs within 7 to 21 days after receiving it. That means the disease may be spread to other individuals who come in contact with the recipient of the vaccine during that time period.

My dd also has reacted poorly to vaccines in the past (especially a flu shot as an infant), so we won't be getting this fast-tracked vaccine. The outcome of the last fast-tracked swine flu vaccine doesn't do much to encourage me.

I suppose the best option you have is to contact your doctor about the flu mist vaccine and ask for a copy of the package insert so that you can determine how safe it is for your son. Unfortunately, hindsight is alway 20/20 when it comes to these types of scenarios.

[jnclelland]

Any allergies to egg would be a contraindication for either the seasonal or swine flu vaccine.

For the standard vaccine, yes - but not for FluMist as I understand it.

Jeanne

[momxyz]

For the standard vaccine, yes - but not for FluMist as I understand it.

Jeanne

Flumist is similarly contraindicated for anyone with hypersensitivity to eggs. Here is the website:

Open Original Shared Link

There are other conditions specified there as well.