FluMist or flu shot?

Posted by Heidi Shelton-Jenck Oct 24, 2006

Our pediatrician recommended that my kids get immunized this year. Then told me my tweens are old enough for FluMist. According to the Food and Drug administration, FluMist is approved to prevent influenza illness due to influenza A and B viruses in healthy children and adolescents, ages 5-17 years. My boys are thrilled – no needle! Just a little spray in the nose and it’s done.

Flu shot season begins this month. Unfortunately, FluMist isn’t available yet at our docs office. I called today, and they hope to have it by mid-November. Kids over 9 years old only need one dose of FluMist, so we should be okay. Learn more and check with your family doctor if you are curious about FluMist and influenza. FluMist is not recommended for everyone. It may not be necessary or even safe for your tween.

Influenza is a serious illness. The Department of Health and Human Resources , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this year it is likely that about 1 in every 1,000 U.S. children under 5 years of age could be hospitalized because of influenza.

I checked out their website for more information and to prepare for the upcoming flu season. Influenza can cause fevers, runny nose, coughing, headache, tiredness, and muscle aches. My kids are usually miserable with the flu for a few days, but it can lead to life-threatening illnesses like pneumonia.

Everyone in my house will get a flu shot this year. None of us are in a risk category. We may still have to deal with ear infections, strep, and colds this winter. And, yes, I know you can still get the flu even if you are immunized. But, when I think about having four kids at home, sick with the flu, it’s a no-brainer.