Can I insist on h1n1 injection vs mist?

cbc04

DD's pedi just sent an e-mail saying they will likely be getting the h1n1 vax in a week or two, and that kids over the age of 2 will get the flu mist, under 2 will get the shot.  DD just turned 2 last month, and I'd really feel better getting her the shot rather than the mist.  Maybe I'm off base, but I'd feel better getting her the dead virus vs the live weakened one since she's so close to 2 -and more than that, I don't think she has the capability to sniff in the mist -she can't blow her nose or sniff on demand -so how can I be sure it'll be as effective as it would be in an older child or adult who can do that? 

What do you all think?

Erika6504

I'll be honest.  I have mixed feelings about requesting one or the other.  I know the shots are going more quickly than the flu mist so I would be inclined to say that you can insist, but also I think the pedi has the right to say that they cannot accomodate the request.

My reasoning is that there are some people who can ONLY get the shot.  Being pregnant, that's the only option for both DD and I.  A local health dept. had a clinic yesterday.  The shots were gone within an hour and a half.  The mist was still available.  If that happens to us, we're out of luck and will need to do without.

babylove19

Here's a little bit of what I know about the mist. DS just got the regular flu mist and he did not have to sniff it in. The Dr said it just has to come in contact with the mucus. Hope that helps a little.

katy75

You can ask, but I believe they have the right to still give you the mist or nothing if you don't qualify for the shot.

DD has to (and did) get the shot because she uses a nebulizer.  If a child has respiratory problems, they need the shot.  I'd hate to be the parent whose kid needed the shot, and couldn't get it because someone else wanted the shot for their child.