Flu Shots Advised for Children Ages 18 and Younger

Reader Comments
Back to blog

the flu vaccine, consists of three flu viral strains, based upon best science forecast/guess for what is likely to be NEXT years strain. About 9-11 months ago... a committee of experts selected three strains to be included in the 2008 flu vaccine. The viruses are mixed and innoculated into chicken eggs as a growth medium (hence this is why people with egg allergies cannot get flu shot). After incubation phase, the eggs are harvested for the viruses, and then the viral cultures are treated to kill the actual virus, leaving the viral particles that when injected, trigger our immune systems to develop antibodies and build resistance to the disease. This is how we protect hundreds of thousands of people from the flu as well as with other vaccines, we "trick" the immune system into fighting off the infection that is mimicked by the presence of the viral particles, so we get the immunity and NOT the disease. In the injectable flu vaccine, there are minute amounts of preservative agents added to stabilize the vaccine for shipment, storage, and use.
In regard to your other comments: yes, most healthier people do usually have ability to successfully fight off an influenza illness, and that is why the target groups for flu vaccine programs focus on the younger, the older, and those with health problems that would make the flu harder for them to fight. In some cases, natural immunity does work better or longer, for example, chicken pox. BUT.. again, the viral illness is worse than the immunization, and immunizations help protect the community as well. Chicken pox in a healthy 10 yo child is a week of fevers, itching, bad rash, and tired parents. Chicken pox exposure for the pregnant neighbor or bus driver or other contact is NOT a mild illness by any means.
The other issue with "natural immunity from the illness" in the case of flu, is that the flu viral strains change from year to year, and last year's immunity doesn't keep pace with evolving viral strain.

Maxx RN of NY 9:59AM September 30, 2008

I really didnt find the "another to do" item all that offensive.
She was simply referencing the already incredibly busy world of the parent of a school age child, and having one, or perhaps even two more trips to the pediatrician to schedule, per child.
I am just greatful she didnt go off on a fear tangent about immunizations causing all sorts of complications and illnesses. Too many people still have impression that Autism and Cerebral palsy and ADHD and whatever are all to be blamed on childhood immunizations, despite all the science and factual information.
Bottom line, it is the smart thing to do. Get your kids their immunizations, if you work with kids YOU should get the flu shot, the more people who get immunizations, the healthier the general population becomes as a whole.

Maxx RN of NY 9:43AM September 30, 2008

J and C, point well taken! Trust me, I'm putting children's health above fund raisers. But the public health experts I talked to say that since most people who get flu don't die of it, people aren't motivated to get immunized like they are for meningitis or polio. Just like women put off mammograms, it's easy to let flu shots slip to the bottom of the priority list.

Nancy Shute of DC 5:44PM September 26, 2008

Right on target with the priorities comment. Sell PTA gift wrap or protect my vulnerable child from a potentially deadly virus? Is that really a choice?
I lost my 3.5 year old niece to the flu in 2004. I saw her one week before, happy, healthy, and loving. Since then I have been well educated about the flu and its potential deadly consequences. People have just not been educated properly. This article is no exception. I noticed that this piece has no reference to the number of children and elderly that die because of the flu. Do a simple Google search and read some of the tragic stories about families who have lost children to the flu. I can guarantee that you will not think about the flu the same.
I hope for Ms. Shute's child's sake, that she makes the right choice between gift paper and her child's health. It should be a simple one.

J.L.L of TX 3:54PM September 26, 2008

What are the exact ingredients in the flu shot anyway? What kind of poisons are we injecting ourselves with... mostly so people won't have to call in sick for a week or have their kids miss school? I always thought that healthy people have the ability to fight the flu - and isn't getting sick a natural part of developing the immune system? How long are you immune to the starin you get vaccinated for and doesn't a naturally acquired immunity work better? ...Just a few thoughts...

promamma of CA 3:23PM September 26, 2008

They say it will work better this time.
Everyone, sign up your young ones for the grand experiment!
Hopefully it will work, hopefully it will cause no harm.

of CA 5:23PM September 25, 2008

Nothing worse than being sick for a week from the flu. The mercury in the vaccine is definitely worth injecting into your child if it's going to save him from being sick. They say all that autism stuff is from genetics anyway. Even though mercury is the most toxic substance on earth, I'd take my chances with a lifetime neurological damage over a whole week of sickness anyday!

Jim of NJ 2:45PM September 25, 2008

Agreed - I found the reference to a "to do" list tasteless.
Parents priorities are seemingly more and more skewed.
If more kids got their shots, the direct effects on other populations at risk, and the general population, would be dramatic and statistically important.

J.Otto., RN, BSN of CO 9:24PM September 24, 2008

I know the gift wrap sale example is supposed to be funny, but really, where are parent's priorities these days?
Flu shots for children are important and worth your time. It can save your child and often the adults around them from going through a miserable illness.
Fund raisers for school: totally optional.

CMFM of CA 5:55PM September 23, 2008