Flu jab/spray

My eldest child has had his every year since he’s been at school but my 2022 baby hasn’t been offered anything yet.

Our little one has Cystic fibrosis so her 'chest is compromised' to put it in the words of the nurse, we got the jab as they don't give the spray to under 2 year olds and there were no side effects, are your concerns about getting a vaccination at all or just having a personal preference to the Nasal spray?

Also if they've never had the jab before I'm sure the first one needs a follow up injection 4 weeks later but this is only after the first one ever

Every child is offered the flu vaccine but especially those more vulnerable to severe illness. My boy has had it every year with no issues and no flu but I appreciate there may be complications for others given personal circumstances. Personally I would follow doctors advice on weighing up the risks. Also, it’s a shame you feel rushed but unfortunately winter season is nearly here… so time is of the essence

@Tammi I have a weakened immune system myself and when I have the actual flu injection it makes me incredibly ill and I’m worried it’ll do the same to him. They have gone off to check about the spray as it’s almost his birthday they said he could have it but needs to check if it’ll impact on his heart condition. He’s had all his other injections I’m just very wary of the flu ones due to personal experience.

@Kirsten I understand that, I know my little one was poorly afterwards with a snotty nose and slight cough but we don't actually know how much of that was impacted by the jab and how much was just picked up (her dad had a cold at the time) it's always a worry deciding what's best for you, personally I'd rather my little one be vaccinated for a little extra reassurance but ultimately it's your choice and the gp has to respect that surely xx

@Tammi yeah they just called back and said it is an injection for him until I can get the consultant to say if the spray is safe for him. So I’ve declined it as he’s been fine every other year so I don’t understand what’s different this time round. I’ll speak to his consultant when we see him again in February to see if he can confirm if the spray is safe to use for him going forward x

As someone said above it is the season for it and who knows if he'll be as lucky as those other years being fine, I know it's worrying about them getting poorly from it but to us it was more worrying how bad she could be if she caught something and hadn't had her jab xx

I do get that I think im going to try contact his consultant as they will do the spray if the consultant says it’s okay. Just really against the injection and his dad’s in agreement as he’s seen how sick it makes me, so I’m glad I’ve declined it for now until I can discuss with the consultant and figure out how sick it’ll make him and things X

My son is 15, he had only once and never been so ill. But that is our experience. I don’t want to give to my little one either.