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Hi all- forgive me if this has been asked before, but I need to decide whether to give my 7 month old and my 3.5 yo (pdd dx) the flu shot this year. While I dont believe that vaccines caused my 3.5 yo's autism, Im nervous to expose him to it, as well as my 7 mo dd.
Does the flu shot have thimerisol in it? What are the risks in NOT giving this to either my 7 mo or 3.5 yo and are those risks the same? I keep reading that it can be so dangerous for our kids to get the flu at a young age, but im just so torn about this.
My 3.5 yo is caught up with all of his vaccines, but Im spacing out my dd's (one shot per month).
id love to hear how you are all handling flu shots this year and how old your kids are.
Thanks! I don't know the answer, but when my son was a baby (under 1 year) they offered a perservative free flu shot for him (which I think means no thimersol). We haven't gotten the flu shot and neither of my kids have gotten the flu. I might reexamine that if I had a child who was frequently sick or had a weak immune system. My kids won't get them and they are almost 4 and 20 months. NO THE FLU SHOT IS NOT SAFE! At least in my opinion. Most still have thimerosal in it. You can ask for thimerosal-free, but even those have traces of thimerosal in it. We got our son the flu shot when my daughter was 5 months old. The previous flu season several children (particularly under 2) had died of complications from the flu. And, that year there was supposed to be a flu shot shortage. So, I got ds one in order to protect him and to protect his sister. He had started pre-school and I knew he would be bringing home germs. Well, he regressed and started exhibiting a lot more autistic symptoms. They also got the strains wrong and both my kids were terribly sick several times that winter.
Never again for us. They keep asking us - I give them the "do you REALLY want to go there with me?" look and that is usually the end of that.  Something like 90% of flu shots contain mercury (thimerasol). You can ask for a thimerasol-free version, but personally I would not vax agains the flu at all. There is no guarantee the got the "right" strain, plus there is research demonstrating that it's not effective in children under 2 anyway. It amazes me that the CDC recommends the flu shot for PG women and babies as young at 6 months old.  Some of the pharmaceutical companies do use thimerosal in the flu vaccine. The FluMist (intranasal vaccine) does NOT contain thimerosal and can be given to healthy people from ages 5 through 49.
If your children are healthy and do not attend public school or daycare for many hours a day, a flu vaccine is not as important. I didn't begin flu vaccines for my two boys until they were in preschool, and they have been getting the FluMist for the past 3 years. I remember one year when they kept catching colds, so they didn't get the flu vaccine and there was a bad strain of flu going around which affected their leg muscles after the fever was gone. My older one couldn't walk for 3 days!
Whether or not to vaccinate your children is a personal decision, and you just need to weigh the pros and cons, and the likelihood of whether your children will contract the flu. I personally don't like the flu shots. I have always gotten the flu shot since I was 2 years old about and Im 28 now. I was the type of kid that got sick one cold after another all through the winter all the way into adulthood. I decided not to get the shot about 4 years ago and it was the best winter. I hardly got sick. From then on I have not gotten it and I dont get sick and congested nearly as bad as I used to when getting the shot.
Im not saying dont get it, but I dont beleive in them. Here is the info on what is in each manufacturers flu shot. Be informed, then you can make an informed decision from there :)
| Flu (influenza) Information |
| Afluria flu (influenza) vaccine |
 |
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| Manufacturer |
CSL Biotherapies |
| Microorganism |
influenza virus |
| Licensed |
09/28/2007 |
| Recommendations |
One intramuscular injection |
| Ingredients |
Beta-propiolactone, Neomycin , Polymyxin B, Sucrose, Thimerosal , Mercury, Sodium phosphate-monobasic, Chick embryo cells, Potassium chloride, Neomycin sulphate, Calcium chloride, Sodium deoxycholate, Sodium phosphate- dibasic anhydrous, Potassium phosphate- monobasic. |
Product Descriptions
|
Package Insert
|
| Begrivac Influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated) |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
Wyeth |
| Microorganism |
Influenza virus |
| Licensed |
08/13/1998 |
| Recommendations |
From children 6 months and older, one i.m. injection, size of dose smaller for 6-36 months, booster dose recommended for children who have not previously been vaccinated |
| Ingredients |
Formaldehyde, Polymyxin B, Polysorbate 80, Sucrose, Sodium chloride, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Disodium phosphate dehydrate, Potassium chloride, Egg protein, Virus: Influenza virus antigens, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, Diethylether . |
Product Descriptions
|
http://medguides.medicines.org.uk/displaypage.aspx?t=medicin e&i=52
http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/industry/default.asp?remoteS earch=Begrivac
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=Begriv ac%2C+intramuscular
http://www.pei.de/nn_163516/EN/drugs/impfstoffe-am-en/influe nza-en/influenza-node-en.html?__nnn=true
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| Enzira Influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated) |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
CSL |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
04/19/2005 |
| Recommendations |
Adults and children from 36 months, children from 6 to 36 months at a reduced dosage, second dose should be given for children that are previously unvaccinated |
| Ingredients |
Sodium chloride, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Potassium chloride, Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dehydrate, Egg protein, Calcium chloride, Virus: Influenza, Anhydrous disodium phosphate. |
Product Descriptions
|
http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp ?documentid=16589
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| Fluad® Influenza vaccine |
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| Manufacturer |
Chiron |
| Microorganism |
Infleunza virus |
| Licensed |
(EU) |
| Recommendations |
|
| Ingredients |
Squalene, MF59. |
Product Descriptions
|
|
| Fluarix® Influenza Virus Vaccine |
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| Manufacturer |
GlaxoSmithKline |
| Microorganism |
The Influenza virus. |
| Licensed |
08/31/2005 |
| Recommendations |
Not for use in children. Single dose for adults |
| Ingredients |
Formaldehyde, Gentamicin Sulfate, Latex, Polysorbate 80, Thimerosal , Ovalbumin (egg), Egg protein, Influenza A virus hemagglutinin, Influenza B virus hemagglutinin, Octoxynol-10, alpha-tocopheryl , Hydrogen succinate, Hydrocortisone, Sodium deoxycholate. |
Product Descriptions
|
Prescribing Information
Safety Data Sheet
http://www.fda.gov/cber/efoi/approve.htm
|
| FluLaval Influenza Virus Vaccine |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
GlaxoSmithKline |
| Microorganism |
Influenza strains A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), 15 mcg; A/Wisconsin/67/2005 (H3N2), 15 mcg; B/Malaysia/2506/2004 |
| Licensed |
10/05/2006 |
| Recommendations |
Age 18 or older, single injection. |
| Ingredients |
Formaldehyde, Thimerosal , Mercury, Egg protein, Influenza A virus hemagglutinin, Influenza B virus hemagglutinin, Sodium deoxycholate. |
Product Descriptions
|
Prescribing Information
http://www.fda.gov/cber/efoi/approve.htm
|
| FluMist® Live, intranasal influenzae |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
MedImmune, Wyeth |
| Microorganism |
H1N1, H3N2, B/Jilin/20/2003 (B/Shanghai/361/2002-13 like strains of Influenza virus |
| Licensed |
01/05/2007 |
| Recommendations |
Ages 5-49 |
| Ingredients |
Gentamicin Sulfate, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), Sucrose, Potassium phosphate. |
Product Descriptions
|
Prescribing Info
http://www.fda.gov/cber/efoi/approve.htm
|
| Fluvax Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (Split Virion) |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
CSL Limited |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
|
| Recommendations |
One injection yearly, from three months of age with differing strengths according to age. |
| Ingredients |
Neomycin , Polymyxin B, Sucrose, Sodium chloride, Sodium phosphate-monobasic, Potassium chloride, Egg protein, Virus: Influenza, Sodium phosphate- dibasic anhydrous, Potassium phosphate- monobasic, Sodium taurodeoxycholate . |
Product Descriptions
|
Package Insert
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| Fluviral, Fluviral S/F Influenza Virus Vaccine Trivalent, Inactivated Whole-Virion Active Immunizing Agent |
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| Manufacturer |
Shire (Canada) |
| Microorganism |
Influenza virus |
| Licensed |
|
| Recommendations |
Annually in the fall. Children under 9 years of age require two injections one month apart, the first time they have the vaccine. Differing dosages for different age groups, from 6 months up. |
| Ingredients |
Formaldehyde, Thimerosal , Egg protein, Virus: Influenza, Sodium deoxycholate, Triton X-100 . |
Product Descriptions
|
Package Insert
|
| Fluvirin® Purified Surface Antigen Vaccine, Trivalent, Types A and B |
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|
| Manufacturer |
Chiron Corporation |
| Microorganism |
Influenza virus H1N1, H3N2, B/Malaysia/2506/2004 strains |
| Licensed |
07/21/2006 |
| Recommendations |
Not for use for patients under four years of age: 1 or 2 injections for those 4 to 8 years of age, one injection for those 9 years of age or older. |
| Ingredients |
Neomycin , Polymyxin B, Thimerosal , Egg protein, Triton N101, M phosphate- buffered saline. |
Product Descriptions
|
Package Insert
http://www.fda.gov/cber/efoi/approve.htm
|
| Fluzone® influenza virus vaccine trivalent, inactivated |
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| Manufacturer |
Aventis Pasteur |
| Microorganism |
Influenza virus types A and B -- A/New Caledonia/20/99, A/Wyoming/03/2003 (an A/Fujian/411/2002-like, B/Jiangsu/10/2003 (a B/Shanghai/361/2002-like) strains |
| Licensed |
07/10/2006 |
| Recommendations |
One or two i.m. injections for those 6 months of age or older, (reduced potency for age 6 to 35 months). |
| Ingredients |
Formaldehyde, Gelatin, Latex, Thimerosal , Egg protein, Virus: Influenza. |
Product Descriptions
|
University: http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/components-Influenza.htm
http://www.fluzone.com/
http://www.vaccineshoppe.com/us_pdf/fluzone_2005.2006_5097.5 098.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/cber/label/inflave071405LB.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/cber/efoi/approve.htm
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| Focetria ® Pandemic influenza vaccine |
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|
| Manufacturer |
Novartis |
| Microorganism |
Influenza virus |
| Licensed |
May 8, 2007 (EU) |
| Recommendations |
|
| Ingredients |
Squalene, Virus: Influenza, MF59. |
Product Descriptions
|
|
| Grippol Vaccination for flu prevention three-valence polymer-sub-single liquid |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
Institute of Immunology |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
|
| Recommendations |
children from 6 months, 3 doses with four week intervals ; over 3 years, one dose |
| Ingredients |
Virus: Influenza, Superficial glycoproteins (gemagglutinin and neyroamynidasa), Polyoxidonium, Hemagglutinin culture flu viruses of type A(H1N1), A(H3N2). |
Product Descriptions
|
Package Insert
|
| Inflexal, Inflexal S, Inflexal V Influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated, virosomic) |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
Sanofi Pasteur |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
03/29/2005 |
| Recommendations |
from six months, higher dosage for those over 3 years of age |
| Ingredients |
Sodium chloride, Egg protein, Virus: Influenza, Disodium dehydrogenate phosphate, Potassium dehydrogenate phosphate , Lecithin. |
Product Descriptions
|
http://www.crucell.com/Products-Inflexal_V
http://www.angelini.it/public/schedepharma/inflexal.htm
http://www.pei.de/nn_163516/EN/drugs/impfstoffe-am-en/influe nza-en/influenza-node-en.html?__nnn=true
|
| Influvac Influenza vaccine, surface antigen, inactivated |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
Solvay-Pharma |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
07/15/2005 |
| Recommendations |
Adults, elderly, and children over 36 months, single injection. |
| Ingredients |
Formaldehyde, Sodium chloride, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Disodium phosphate dehydrate, Potassium chloride, Egg protein, Calcium chloride, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, Virus: Influenza. |
Product Descriptions
|
Package Insert
|
| Mastaflu influenza vaccine, surface antigen, inactivated |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
Solvay |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
|
| Recommendations |
adults and children from 36 months, single dose |
| Ingredients |
Sodium chloride, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, Disodium phosphate dehydrate, Potassium chloride, Egg protein, Calcium chloride, Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, Virus: Influenza. |
Product Descriptions
|
http://emc.medicines.org.uk/eMC/assets/c/html/DisplayDoc.asp ?DocumentID=12737
|
| Mutagrip Influenza Vaccine (SPLIT VIRION) |
|
|
| Manufacturer |
Aventis |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
08/28/1998 |
| Recommendations |
Single 0.5 mL i.m. injection for those 36 months of age and older. |
| Ingredients |
Sodium chloride, Disodium phosphate dehydrate, Potassium chloride, Monopotassium phosphate, Egg protein, Virus: Influenza. |
Product Descriptions
|
http://home.intekom.com/pharm/ranbaxy/mutagrip.html
German: http://www.impfkritik.de/fachinfo/influenza-mutagrip-aventis -2004-2005.pdf
http://www.pei.de/nn_163516/EN/drugs/impfstoffe-am-en/influe nza-en/influenza-node-en.html?__nnn=true
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| Optaflu |
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| Manufacturer |
Novartis |
| Microorganism |
Influenza (flu) virus |
| Licensed |
June 13, 2007 (EU) |
| Recommendations |
One intramuscular injection, seasonally |
| Ingredients |
Dog kidney cells. |
Product Descriptions
|
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny Speaks Out
"The Hidden Hazards of the New Flu Vaccine, OptaFlu"
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| Vaxigrip Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Trivalent Types A and B (Split Virion) |
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| Manufacturer |
Sanofi Pasteur |
| Microorganism |
Influenza |
| Licensed |
|
| Recommendations |
6 months of age or older |
| Ingredients |
Formaldehyde, Neomycin , Sucrose, Thimerosal , Sodium phosphate, Virus: Influenza, Triton X-100 . |
Product Descriptions
|
Package Insert
| |
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©Copyright 2006 WAVE Incorporated. All rights reserved. WAVE logo is a trademark of the World Association for Vaccine Education. Contents is protected by international copyright laws. Unauthorized copying or duplication in any form is strictly prohibited without the prior consent. | | Flu shots aren't mandatory and I personally don't get one even though I'm high risk. I don't get one for my children either. Flu shots aren't a guarentee you won't get the flu, some years they miss. JMHO.I haven't posted here in ages....but I still check in occassionally and couldn't help responding to your post.
I am not totally anti-vaccine or pro-biomed or anything like that, but I do feel that giving my daughter the flu shot at age 6 months and 18 months is one of the worst things I've ever done as a mother and I still feel guilt-ridden about it.
The year Ansley (my dd w/ autism) was born there was an outbreak of flu and kids in other states were dying. My docs insisted I get my baby a flu shot and I automatically did it the next year as well. I NEVER gave my older daughter a flu shot b/c I don't believe in unnecessary vaccines...but I was pressured in to it with Ansley and I still wonder if it affected her.
You have to do what your mommy-gut tells you, but I will never allow any one in our family to have a flu shot ever again unless they are so weak that they are about to die.
More food for thought: Who gets flu shots more than anyone else? The elderly....they routinely get flu shots once a year. Just look at the rates of dementia and Alzheimers. I know it may be a coincidence, but it's a big enough coincidence for me. 
I can't believe some contain lead. The US gov. is sposed to protect our kids not give them lead shots!!!!
That reminds me, my grandparents (who raised me) and my brother were trying to get me a flu shot because they all got flu shots. I know there trying to be helpful, telling me You can get sick bla/bla. Well, all 3 of them got sick 2 months later after getting the flu shot. All 3 throw-up, etc. The flu shot does not protect against the gastro viruses. I don't get the flu but I've had those gasto-viruses.
While, I was pregnant, I it so bad, I almost had to be admitted to the hosp. I didn't know you can throw-up and have diarrhea coming out at the same time.
amberwaves39376.7506365741Both of my kids got the flu shot this year and always have and always will. My PED only gives out the preservative free flu shots. If she didn't I wouldn't have done it.
My daughter has asthma as do I and several other members of my family. We can't take the risk.
This is a tough one....my dd has been getting so many illnesses since she's attending school 5 days/week now and I worry about the flu but....to see those ingredients in the flu shots! I don't know which is more scary to me now. Payne has never gotten a flu shot...hasn't gotten the flu either ((shrug shoulders)) Of course I can count on 1 hand how many times he's been actually sick in his lifetime too.
The supposedly "thimerosal-free" shots still have traces of thimerosal in them I believe. They put it in and then "wash it out" so some traces are left. I personally don't want ANY amount of thimerosal in my kids' bodies. That being said, they have had all the shots that are REQUIRED by our state and none that have been recommended (like the flu shot) since my ds got his diagnosis and all of the ones that either of my kids have gotten have been spread out. |
