Flu shot or mist (for kids)?

SeaSoul · November 2011

I just made an appt for Cal's flu vaccination and they asked if we wanted to do the mist or shot. I have no idea. She said the mist was the live virus and shot was dead...which doesn't mean a whole lot to me. And said if he had any kid of respiratory issues, he couldn't have the mist (but that's not the case).

She said we could think about it and let them know. Could someone who is knowledgeable about this please help me decide which would be best? Thanks!

howleyshell · November 2011

My 16 yr old refuses to get the shot with his Mom and instead waits to go with us to get the mist.

LOOOVE the mist.

Insanely easy.

The catch is that if you were gonna get any insurance coverage many do not cover the mist in any way, shape or form and it's usually at least $10 more than the shot.

I'm willing to pay the extra cash to not watch my kiddos in pain.

Dr.Loretta · November 2011

The mist is a live, weakened flu virus, which means there's a chance he could get the flu. The shot is a recombinant part of the flu virus, meaning it's not infectious and has no chance of causing the flu.

FWIW, DD has had the shot two years in a row now with no issues.

PhillySue · November 2011

I do not know all the specifics of mist vs. vaccine but we opted for the mist. DH is a physician and felt that the mist is safe and equally effective (I actually read it may be more effective then the shot...but don't quote me on that one). I am so happy we did. It was much easier then the shot and Katie sat still and got it like a pro. She was very happy she did not need the pichy needle I told her she may get.

howleyshell · November 2011

And FWIW:

Biotech Day in Review: FluMist from MedImmune Outperforms Injected VaccineFebruary 16, 2007 | includes: ARIA, AZN, CPHD, GERN, MRK, OXGN Font SizePrintEmailRecommend0Share0inShareMedImmune (MEDI) reported that the new version of its inhaled flu vaccine, FluMist, was more effective than an injected vaccine in children between the ages of six months and five years.FluMist reduced the incidence of flu by 55% in a large study conducted among 8,475 children. However, there was a slight increase in the number of hospitalizations among the FluMist cohort for wheezing, so children with asthma or a history of wheezing may be directed toward an injection. The results of the trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. When MedImmune first received an FDA approval for the second version of FluMist, it was indicated for people between the ages of 5 and 50. The trial was undertaken to support an extension of the indication of FluMist to include children under the age of 5. The second version of FluMist requires only refrigeration, not freezing like the first-gen version. Children have more difficulty mounting an immune response to a vaccine because their immune systems are less well-developed than an adult system. But children, because of day-care and school, are the most vulnerable to the virus, and they then carry it to their families. MedImmune rose 6% on the news, climbing $1.91 to $33.16.

KYRN · November 2011

I was considering getting Mark the mist just b/c I felt bad. I've had my flu shot so I wasn't worried about getting it from his weakened virus he's getting with the mist. I asked my OB/GYN and co-worker and he said he's just not a big fan of the mist, the first few days they're exposing people to the flu (even though it's weakened). Based on my convo with him I decided to go with the standard shot.

A medical assistant in my office (who is also pregnant) has a 4 year old, she got the mist for the 2nd year in a row and they haven't had any issue and her daughter did well with it both times. My thoughts on getting it for him is now that it's been out for several years I feel like they'd know if it was causing a problem and just not offer it anymore. I was planning to ask my pedi's advice before getting it but after talking with my Dr I decided to just stick with the shot.

ardilla · November 2011

Our insurance covered the shots and mist equally. We were on the fence about giving DS the mist as he had wheezing issues as an infant. Our pedi said since he hasn't had any issues with it in over a year, and does not have asthma, it would be fine. She was right. Neither kid liked getting the vaccine up the nose, but I'm sure the shot would have been worse!

charmcitygirl · November 2011

My BFF was told that once they have had 2 years with the flu shot, they are eligible for the mist and she opted for the mist for her 3.5yo. I think, if I had the chance, I would opt for the mist. I had a flu shot a few weeks ago and my arm hurt for DAYS!

kianew · November 2011

We do the shot every year. I think Dylan would have a worse time with something going up his nose. He doesn't even cry getting the shot and has never made a big deal about his leg hurting or anything afterwards.

ejgballerina · November 2011

We will do the shot. DS has breathing issues so we don't qualify for the mist anyways. But even if we did, I'm more comfortable with a dead virus than a live one, especially since DS catches EVERYTHING.

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