bid Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Hi Just had a letter from A's residential school offering flu jabs. He is 16. Earlier on in the year I politely refused the MMR that the school also offered, as I felt that it was unnecessary as he'd had all his relevant jabs when he was younger (in the days before any concerns about MMR and autism). I don't really know much about the flu jab. Are there any concerns over this one? I'm wary of posting on the JABS website as I have found in the past that many of the posters there have very extreme views (only my opinion...hope I haven't offended anyone!) I think I will get a more balanced view from you guys! Thanks for any thoughts on this one! Bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
annie Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Hi Bid, I've just this second got off the phone from booking my flu jab. I've had the jab 4 years running now because my GP suggested that I had it as I have asthma. I've never had any problems with it. In fact, it has really helped, if I caught a cold I would normally end up with a chest infection it hasn't happened since I started having the jabs. Annie <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sue1957 Report post Posted October 3, 2005 As far as preventing flu is concerned it works for some I think but not others. My mother (who's in her late 70s) has refused one for several years after having the jab and then going down with the worst flu she had ever had. My eldest son was ill within hours of his first two jabs as a baby. I was never convinced by the "coincidence" theory of the doctor at the time. Shortly afterwards he started to become hyperactive, and I believe vaccination was a factor in his case. But then my second son had symptoms on the autistic spectrum for some time, and he isn't vaccinated at all, so it wasn't a factor in his case, but fluoride was. Apart from the actual vaccine, there are the vaccine fillers, so it might be worth asking for an ingredients list of exactly what is in the injection. At least then you can weigh up any potential risks against any possible benefits. Hope that's balanced enough!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Bid, I don't know about a well balance viewpoint. Having been laid low by the dreaded bug for the past few days, I have been considering whether I should have the flu jab. I'm nearing retirement age...but look years younger ! I'm sure the surgery wouldn't object to me having it I just hate taking any form of drugs. I honestly don't know what I would say if they suggested my son had one. Sorry, I've been no help at all. Nellie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flora Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Just veer off slightly.... I, as a carer, have been invited for the flu jab. Anyone here caring for children with special needs is actually entitled to it. Just thought I'd mention it. Lauren Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elanor Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Hi Bid Funny you should raise this, as I've been thinking about getting a jab. Whenever I'm feeling poorly, my son's challenging behaviours escalate - he finds it really stressful if I'm ill. I really don't know how I'd cope with the flu - I'd rather get the jab, and avoid the flu! I used to work in a large firm of accountants, and their policy was to provide jabs for all staff at management level - it was done in the office, and you were expected to do it. They just didn't want to have to deal with the cost of sick leave. If the school suggesting it for A, because they think a residential school might have a higher than normal risk of infection spreading? Personally, I think it's a good idea - but then I'm not particularly concerned about vaccinations in general, and flu vaccinations must be one of the most widely used - so I'm guessing there should be a fair amount of research data on the risks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Bid. The BBC lunchtime News are covering the flu jab, maybe it will be repeated later. Nellie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Hi Bid, I'm surprised A has been offered this: I thought it was offered only to those who are especially susceptible or the elderly. (sorry nellie ) Is it because of this "bird flu" worry? L has just been offered a booster MMR too. Apart from all the obvious concerns she is having so many blood tests that this just feels like one more intrusion at the moment . My gut reaction would be to refuse the jab and take your chances with the flu - this is only my own highly personal opinion of course, and I know nothing about the risk vs benefits of this particular jab. K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barefoot wend Report post Posted October 3, 2005 bid I can see this topic is going to throw up a huge disparity of replies. Personally, I have had the flu jab for years and have never had a problem with it. Two of my children have also, and they're fine. Does Auriel mind jabs? I think my AS son would run a mile. On the other hand, my Mum who's in her seventies seemed to have a quite bad reaction to one she had a few years ago and has never been near one since. Of course it's very difficult to tell if her problems were linked to the jab but my Doctor sister certainly thinks it was the most probable cause. Barefoot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
denise2 Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Hi Lauren, where did you hear carers of special needs children are entitled to the flu jab? I phoned our surgery and they only offer it for vulnerable groups. Denise 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Flu jab call for the most at risk http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4303882.stm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
007paul007 Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Hi Me and my wife who have just turned 40 are getting the flu jab , my GP reccomended it as he says we are in a risk catergory , as if we are both laid up ill we cannot care for our son. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bevalee Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Hi Bid I got the letter today too. R has had a flu jab every year for 9 years, because he suffers from Asthma. All those in a 'residential setting' wether old or young are normally offered the jab because it is so contagious. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted October 3, 2005 Thanks everyone! Auriel has Asthma, too...but this is the first time he has been offered a flu jab! Don't know if I'm right, but I sort of think that by 16 they are probably too big for any adverse reactions?? Bid Thanks for the link, Nellie...interesting, as it says those with an egg allergy should not have the jab. Relevant for us, as my two youngest have severe egg allergy... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
call me jaded Report post Posted October 4, 2005 When I looked at the flu vaccine a couple of years ago the figures for flu deaths were no different for people who had been vaccinated than those who had, which led me to believe that for the years I was looking at, the vaccine wasn't very effective, not effective at all in fact. Looking for the stats for this online I came across this (which I have only speed-read) which sums up most of the points I was going to make: http://www.i-c-m.org.uk/journal/2005/oct/a03.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lemony Report post Posted October 4, 2005 Hi Bid, I've just this second got off the phone from booking my flu jab. I've had the jab 4 years running now because my GP suggested that I had it as I have asthma. I've never had any problems with it. In fact, it has really helped, if I caught a cold I would normally end up with a chest infection it hasn't happened since I started having the jabs. Annie <'> Same here Annie, i had my flu jab yesterday whilst attending the asthma clinic with my son. I also suffered with severe chest infections etc but since starting the jab (in the last couple of years) i don`t get as ill as i used too. Unfortunately my AS son was in absolute bits when i was having it done and he definitely won`t be having it done for sure! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
annie Report post Posted October 4, 2005 Hi Lemony, Mine's booked for a week on Thursday, the earliest I could get it done Annie X Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lil_me Report post Posted October 4, 2005 My little one who is 4 has been offered it as he has asthma, but when he had it last year he ended up really bad with a cold not long after which seemed to last for ages, so I'm in 2 minds, but I suppose a cold is 10 times safer than the Flu. Think I'll speak to them at the asthma clinic when he goes next. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted October 5, 2005 Thanks everyone! Auriel is saying he doesn't want to have the jab! Bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beachjen Report post Posted February 4, 2006 Thanks everyone! Auriel is saying he doesn't want to have the jab! Bid I found out after i had my three daughters jabbed in November that the jab normally contains mercury (thiomerssal) unless specifically otherwise requested. My five year old is ASD, and had all her early jabs plus MMr. we will never know if they had any direct effect but only effect the flu jab had was to not stop her getting flu last week! so we would not recommend it for that reason... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beachjen Report post Posted February 4, 2006 I found out after i had my three daughters jabbed in November that the jab normally contains mercury (thiomerssal) unless specifically otherwise requested. My five year old is ASD, and had all her early jabs plus MMr. we will never know if they had any direct effect but only effect the flu jab had was to not stop her getting flu last week! so we would not recommend it for that reason... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hev Report post Posted February 5, 2006 ive had flu jab for last few years as i have asthma,i would love to have it again as am overdue for it but my surgery run out and dont know when its getting more in Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites