Flu Shots - H1N1

[Megs_Mom]

Hi all - I generally avoid all controversial topics - so I'll start by saying that I think this is a very individual decision, and many of us may have very valid reasons not to get the H1N1 vaccine, assuming it is ever available.

 

I am also not big on repeating conversations from anyone without permission, but after thinking about this overnight, I decided to post. So don't yell at me too much, I am already nervous. I spoke with Dr. L last night about a variety of options for Meg, and I asked her about the H1N1. She said that for the regular flu shot - she does not generally recommend – as reg flu is no big deal. However, she strongly recommends the H1N1 Vaccine when available. She has reservations about the safety, but feels that any ill effects can be dealt with (although she did not minimize her concerns about those possible effects) – but that in DC alone 3 kids have died within 12 hours from complications, and that it is a scary flu. She has come 180 on this and despite her concerns about it being rushed to market, she wants Meg to get either the Mist or the Shot as soon as possible. I am going to do this, she changed my mind, and I'll have to deal with any ramification should they occur.

 

Again, this advice was for our daughter, and cannot be interpreted for every child. But given the amount of posting on this topic, and most of it being against this vaccine (I was too), I thought I'd post this. I hope she will not mind my repeating this advice!

[sww817]

Dr. L gave us the same advice. For us, it was because my son has a history of bronchiolitis and the secondary infections that are occuring from H1N1 seem to be affecting the lungs. I was against it but now I am just scared! Unfortunately, my son also just got over another virus and is not healthy enough to get it yet. We have to wait a few weeks. I hope he will be able to get the shot when we can find it. I can't believe I am even saying that!

[EAMom]

If it makes a diffence to anyone, 29 percentage of the flu deaths were associated of secondary bacterial infections. I would think those that are already on good doses of good anti-biotics (like Azith.) should (in theory) be protected against this.

 

Bacterial infections have played a role in previous outbreaks of novel influenza viruses, health officials said. In previous pandemics reported in 1918, 1957, and 1968, many of those killed also were infected with S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and group A Streptococcus, which causes rheumatic fever and “strep throat,” the CDC said.

 

http://www.attorneyatlaw.com/2009/09/bacte...eaths-cdc-says/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,558402...test=latestnews

 

But, yes it is a hard decision...I guess I feel lucky in that my kids both already (likely) had H1N1 in June...nice to get it over with!

[sf_mom]

Also if the child is post IVIG the child should be fairly protected due to donor antibodies AND could potentially render the response to vaccination useless. With our younger son, we had to postpone any vaccinations until he was one year post IVIG.

[dcmom]

Hi- thank you for bringing this up!

 

I am starting to get worried about H1N1. Originally, I was opposed to the vaccine for both pandas and non pandas daughters. The news, my sister in law and now this post is starting to get me concerned. I just put a call in to Dr Latimer, I will see what she says. Julia just had pex, so I really don't want to do ANYTHING. I don't know if we should, could or will get the vaccine. They are vaccinating lots of kids here now- and lots of kids are starting to get the flu in their school.

 

This is so stressful! Why couldn't this have come last year, pre pandas for us.

 

Has anyone on this forum had their kids vaccinated yet?

 

How would being on zithromax affect the vaccination and/or the possible flare-ups?

 

Help!

 

Megsmom- does your daughter have any unusual conditions that would prompt her to tell you to get the vaccine? She was totally against it when we discussed it during the summer...

[mom md]

I would not do it. We did the regular flu shot last week and 72 hours later had a flare. The ASO was up to 500 and the antiDNase B was 680 so my guess is the shot was not the cause because it takes 2-3 weeks to rise but it does confuse the situation. I think the immune system is not right in these kids and it is unknown how they will respond. It is like Russian roulette. You are probably fine but no one can tell you for sure.

[sf_mom]

DCMom: I would say focus on an IVIG treatment and antibiotics to get Julia through the winter months this year. Rather than vaccinate with flu shot.

 

As you know: There have been several children who have had a PANDAS flares post PEX due to flu shots BUT I think some with first hand experience can speak to this more directly (Mom MD, another prior post). Dr. K is NOT recommending it for our son especially NOT NIHI. http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=5647

 

Perhaps if you speak to Dr. L suggest that you would like a 5 day steroid script on hand in case your daughter runs a fever. This has worked very effectively for some.

[Megs_Mom]

Hi- thank you for bringing this up!

 

I am starting to get worried about H1N1. Originally, I was opposed to the vaccine for both pandas and non pandas daughters. The news, my sister in law and now this post is starting to get me concerned. I just put a call in to Dr Latimer, I will see what she says. Julia just had pex, so I really don't want to do ANYTHING. I don't know if we should, could or will get the vaccine. They are vaccinating lots of kids here now- and lots of kids are starting to get the flu in their school.

 

This is so stressful! Why couldn't this have come last year, pre pandas for us.

 

Has anyone on this forum had their kids vaccinated yet?

 

How would being on zithromax affect the vaccination and/or the possible flare-ups?

 

Help!

 

Megsmom- does your daughter have any unusual conditions that would prompt her to tell you to get the vaccine? She was totally against it when we discussed it during the summer...

 

No, Meg does not have any unusual conditions (well, except for PANDAS!!!! ). Again, I totally respect all the points made above. We are on antibiotics, we can get Prednisone any time we need it. We have not done IVIG or PEX. And I am not a doctor myself. Dr. L's advice (I assume) was for us specifically, and I am sharing it as that only, so that others can consider and counsel with their own doctors. Honestly, the advice completely startled me - and I did a 180 as well. Everyone will have to make the best possible decision for this - but since I changed my mind I just thought it fair to share the info that I have. I love that there are educated folks here to help balance the pros and cons and help others make the decision. For me, the risks of not getting it will outweigh the risks of getting it, and I will have to live with that decision. Best - Susan

[sf_mom]

Can you keep us posted and let us know how it goes...... I think it valuable to have a history of responses to vaccination/flu shots that help us weigh the decision in the future.

 

I am still waiting to hear how Alex is doing post revaccination Mom2Alex's son.

 

I pray you have no ill effects giving us all confidence down the road.

 

-Wendy

 

 

Hi- thank you for bringing this up!

 

I am starting to get worried about H1N1. Originally, I was opposed to the vaccine for both pandas and non pandas daughters. The news, my sister in law and now this post is starting to get me concerned. I just put a call in to Dr Latimer, I will see what she says. Julia just had pex, so I really don't want to do ANYTHING. I don't know if we should, could or will get the vaccine. They are vaccinating lots of kids here now- and lots of kids are starting to get the flu in their school.

 

This is so stressful! Why couldn't this have come last year, pre pandas for us.

 

Has anyone on this forum had their kids vaccinated yet?

 

How would being on zithromax affect the vaccination and/or the possible flare-ups?

 

Help!

 

Megsmom- does your daughter have any unusual conditions that would prompt her to tell you to get the vaccine? She was totally against it when we discussed it during the summer...

 

No, Meg does not have any unusual conditions (well, except for PANDAS!!!! ). Again, I totally respect all the points made above. We are on antibiotics, we can get Prednisone any time we need it. We have not done IVIG or PEX. And I am not a doctor myself. Dr. L's advice (I assume) was for us specifically, and I am sharing it as that only, so that others can consider and counsel with their own doctors. Honestly, the advice completely startled me - and I did a 180 as well. Everyone will have to make the best possible decision for this - but since I changed my mind I just thought it fair to share the info that I have. I love that there are educated folks here to help balance the pros and cons and help others make the decision. For me, the risks of not getting it will outweigh the risks of getting it, and I will have to live with that decision. Best - Susan

[bubbasmom]

Due to lack of doctor's in our area with expertise in PANDAS, we had our IVIG done at a hemotologist's office. They have warnings posted on all of their doors if your child has immunosuppression the child nor anyone in the household should get the nasal vaccine because it is live. I don't know if this helps. I'm not very experienced at the whole immunosuppressant stuff yet.

 

 

Hi all - I generally avoid all controversial topics - so I'll start by saying that I think this is a very individual decision, and many of us may have very valid reasons not to get the H1N1 vaccine, assuming it is ever available.

 

I am also not big on repeating conversations from anyone without permission, but after thinking about this overnight, I decided to post. So don't yell at me too much, I am already nervous. I spoke with Dr. L last night about a variety of options for Meg, and I asked her about the H1N1. She said that for the regular flu shot - she does not generally recommend – as reg flu is no big deal. However, she strongly recommends the H1N1 Vaccine when available. She has reservations about the safety, but feels that any ill effects can be dealt with (although she did not minimize her concerns about those possible effects) – but that in DC alone 3 kids have died within 12 hours from complications, and that it is a scary flu. She has come 180 on this and despite her concerns about it being rushed to market, she wants Meg to get either the Mist or the Shot as soon as possible. I am going to do this, she changed my mind, and I'll have to deal with any ramification should they occur.

 

Again, this advice was for our daughter, and cannot be interpreted for every child. But given the amount of posting on this topic, and most of it being against this vaccine (I was too), I thought I'd post this. I hope she will not mind my repeating this advice!

[PKM]

I just had my son vaccinated yesterday (only a little over 24 hours ago). This was a very difficult decision for me but in the end I decided to go ahead. I felt that we could likely deal with the possible neurological complications from the vaccine but I wasn't too sure how his body would handle H1N1 (he has asthma, some mild heart abnormalities and Sydenham's Chorea (although I keep thinking it might be PANDAS). Anyhow - I don't think the vaccine will kill him but I feel he is at risk of dying from H1N1.

 

In short - vaccinating him seemed like the lesser of 2 evils. I know most people who get H1N1 are just fine - but - it seems to me that more and more people are having serious complications from this nasty little flu.

 

I am keeping him home from school for a little while post-vaccine to keep a very close eye on him and to let him get extra rest etc. Hopefully things will go well.

 

Also in case you are wondering - here in Canada - nobody is getting the vaccine up the nose. My son got half the vaccine given to him yesterday (in the arm) and he will go back for the other half in four weeks time. The rest of us all got one full dose of vaccine (because we are all 11 or older).

 

I will post if anything happens to him as a result of the vaccine.

 

 

 

Hi all - I generally avoid all controversial topics - so I'll start by saying that I think this is a very individual decision, and many of us may have very valid reasons not to get the H1N1 vaccine, assuming it is ever available.

 

I am also not big on repeating conversations from anyone without permission, but after thinking about this overnight, I decided to post. So don't yell at me too much, I am already nervous. I spoke with Dr. L last night about a variety of options for Meg, and I asked her about the H1N1. She said that for the regular flu shot - she does not generally recommend – as reg flu is no big deal. However, she strongly recommends the H1N1 Vaccine when available. She has reservations about the safety, but feels that any ill effects can be dealt with (although she did not minimize her concerns about those possible effects) – but that in DC alone 3 kids have died within 12 hours from complications, and that it is a scary flu. She has come 180 on this and despite her concerns about it being rushed to market, she wants Meg to get either the Mist or the Shot as soon as possible. I am going to do this, she changed my mind, and I'll have to deal with any ramification should they occur.

 

Again, this advice was for our daughter, and cannot be interpreted for every child. But given the amount of posting on this topic, and most of it being against this vaccine (I was too), I thought I'd post this. I hope she will not mind my repeating this advice!

[monarchcat]

Well, now I'm sooo confused because Dr. L's words to me about the h1n1 vaccine were "absolutely not". My son has no underlying conditions other than PANDAS as well.

 

I guess she's changed her opinion in the last few weeks.

 

I don't know what to do.

[P_Mom]

You know...the inconsistencies with these docs is starting to bother me.

 

All due respect to them....really, I do thank God for them...but, both Dr. K and Latimer have given conflicting info. out. It is just getting to me because they tell one parent one thing...then another parent another. I am sure they are learning along the way....I know...but, geez.

 

Dr. L was adamant that we do not get the vaccine....and, another Mom I spoke with just yesterday had a phone consult with her just recently and she told her the same thing....no vaccines......she didn't believe the vaccine would be a big help and the risk for PANDAS complications was too high. I just don't know.......yes, a very hard, personal decision. However, regardless of what any doc says, I am going with my gut and sticking with my decision not to vaccinate my children. I have already seen first hand the damage they can do.

 

Merk was on the verge of bankruptcy (two of my friends who were employed by Merck were laid off last year)....they have made 8 BILLION dollars so far. I believe it is always about the money. Sorry........just my opinion here. Yes, I am concerned and will watch my children carefully and take appropriate action when/IF it happens. I will continue to pray for them....I believe that is my best protection.

 

Kelly

[sf_mom]

I'll be praying there is no response and will anxiously await your update. Perhaps we could start a topic for vaccinations/flu shots and post only if you have vaccinated or gotten a flu shot and if there was a response within 1 month following or no response that is filed in the Helpful Threads as a reference.

 

 

 

I just had my son vaccinated yesterday (only a little over 24 hours ago). This was a very difficult decision for me but in the end I decided to go ahead. I felt that we could likely deal with the possible neurological complications from the vaccine but I wasn't too sure how his body would handle H1N1 (he has asthma, some mild heart abnormalities and Sydenham's Chorea (although I keep thinking it might be PANDAS). Anyhow - I don't think the vaccine will kill him but I feel he is at risk of dying from H1N1.

 

In short - vaccinating him seemed like the lesser of 2 evils. I know most people who get H1N1 are just fine - but - it seems to me that more and more people are having serious complications from this nasty little flu.

 

I am keeping him home from school for a little while post-vaccine to keep a very close eye on him and to let him get extra rest etc. Hopefully things will go well.

 

Also in case you are wondering - here in Canada - nobody is getting the vaccine up the nose. My son got half the vaccine given to him yesterday (in the arm) and he will go back for the other half in four weeks time. The rest of us all got one full dose of vaccine (because we are all 11 or older).

 

I will post if anything happens to him as a result of the vaccine.

 

 

 

Hi all - I generally avoid all controversial topics - so I'll start by saying that I think this is a very individual decision, and many of us may have very valid reasons not to get the H1N1 vaccine, assuming it is ever available.

 

I am also not big on repeating conversations from anyone without permission, but after thinking about this overnight, I decided to post. So don't yell at me too much, I am already nervous. I spoke with Dr. L last night about a variety of options for Meg, and I asked her about the H1N1. She said that for the regular flu shot - she does not generally recommend – as reg flu is no big deal. However, she strongly recommends the H1N1 Vaccine when available. She has reservations about the safety, but feels that any ill effects can be dealt with (although she did not minimize her concerns about those possible effects) – but that in DC alone 3 kids have died within 12 hours from complications, and that it is a scary flu. She has come 180 on this and despite her concerns about it being rushed to market, she wants Meg to get either the Mist or the Shot as soon as possible. I am going to do this, she changed my mind, and I'll have to deal with any ramification should they occur.

 

Again, this advice was for our daughter, and cannot be interpreted for every child. But given the amount of posting on this topic, and most of it being against this vaccine (I was too), I thought I'd post this. I hope she will not mind my repeating this advice!

[thereishope]

All I can say is that IF you vaccinate, at least do the shot instead of the mist. A lot of kids seem to have reactions to other live vaccinations such as chicken pox. Another I know had a slight reaction to FluMist. If you are going to do it, do the shot.

 

I believe my kids have had H1N1. I was not planning on vaccinating anyway. Right now I don't want to mess with something that is going well. If your child does contract H1N1, I believe they will develop a natural immunity and may not get it again. Whereas, you may be looking at getting a H1N1 shot every year now. There's a lot to weigh.