I am sure that this topic has been discussed in the past, however, i was interested in knowing how all of you feel about flu shots for your children. i am sure that many of you are aware of the thermosal (mercury) content in the flu shots and the accused association between the preservative and autism (see autism board) i am scared to give my 5 month old the rest of his shots because of these findings, however i must reluctantly do it as i have no other alternative, or do i? my son was born in full respitory failure because of an uterine infection i developed durring my 31 hours of labor. he was in the NICU for a week and on oxygen for 2 weeks after he came home. he is perfectly healthy now, but i wonder if introducing all these strains of flu and what not in the future isn't pushing my luck. i don't know. he threw up last week with a moderate fever, but got over it as fast as it came and has a little cough now, but the pediatrician isn't worried as most humans have something right now. i was just hoping to get some feed back from some more experienced parents out there as to how to cope when baby is sick, or to hear from others with babies who had a rough start and how they arey are doing now.

My child was born two weeks early because of a bowel obstruction. Spent 4 weeks in the NICU. While he was there he got E Coli and a couple of other nasty bugs that usually come from improper handwashing in hospitals. Finally got him home, gaining weight. He's 5 months old. he's had his shots so far and is scheduled for a flu shot next week. Doctors have suggested he get a flu shot because he got off to such a rough start and he tends to catch colds easily. They also suggested he get a preventative vaccine to help prevent/alleviate symptoms of RSV. But each child is different. Visit with your child's doctor about your concerns. With my child if he catches the flu or RSV he WILL end up back in the hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks. That's some place we don't care to see any time soon -- if ever

My child was born two weeks early because of a bowel obstruction. Spent 4 weeks in the NICU. While he was there he got E Coli and a couple of other nasty bugs that usually come from improper handwashing in hospitals. Finally got him home, gaining weight. He's 5 months old. he's had his shots so far and is scheduled for a flu shot next week. Doctors have suggested he get a flu shot because he got off to such a rough start and he tends to catch colds easily. They also suggested he get a preventative vaccine to help prevent/alleviate symptoms of RSV. But each child is different. Visit with your child's doctor about your concerns. With my child if he catches the flu or RSV he WILL end up back in the hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks. That's some place we don't care to see any time soon -- if ever

thanks for your response and what a scary thing to go through. it is amazing that we survive hospital stays at all sometimes. i did not realize that an infant as young as 5 months could get the flu shot, but perhaps they are being extra careful in your situation. does the flu shot you have in your area contain thermosal? i don't know if all regions carry the same flu stains for vaccination. i hope your little one is ok. i will look into the RSV vacine as well and any side efects it may have for our next visit. i am getting his 4 months shots at 6 months, reluctantly.

He'll be 6 months next week, so that's the earliest they'll give babies flu shots. I don't know what all is in the vaccine. Imagine it's pretty much standard throughout the country. I had mine last month and get one every year and haven't suffered any ill effects -- other than a sore arm. Doctors also suggested that anyone who spends any amount of time with my son should have a flu shot, so my husband got his first one ever this year. And I have noticed that the number of colds I've gotten throughout the years has decreased significantly since I've gotten the flu shot. Last year I did NOT get it and got cold after cold, sinus infection, bronchitis.

The RSV vaccine is very very expensive and requires preapproval through your insurance company. It's strongly suggested for preemies, children with depressed immune systems and chronic lung problems. It's given once a month throughout RSV season. My child goes to day care, so with his past medical history, his doctor insisted he go through the series of shots.