I just did some research about flu shots because my father suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome back in 1965--he's not able to get the shot. He is asthmatic and has emphysema as well.

I have suffered from severe allergies & asthma since 1974, and have taken a flu shot every year since it's been available. Recently it came to light that the flu shots contain a mercury preservative called thimerosal which has been taken out of all childhood immunizations due to the large outcry from folks thinking it may cause autism (although this is not proven). This information is readily available on the cdc.gov website under vaccine safety-mercury and vaccines.

My point is, I also suffer from several other medical problems as well as asthma, and I will refuse a flu shot this year if I can't get one without the mercury preservative. This is a hard choice because I too have gotten the flu and have barely squeaked by without hospitalization. If everyone starts asking about this additive and making a fuss, we won't have to worry about it any more!

Curiously, I have had some reaction to the flu shot in the past, sometimes getting sick for a few days. Who knows--maybe have just been exposed to bugs before I got the shot.

Just thought I'd throw that out for comment. Thanks.

Sloane Miller, Health Guide

10/14/07 10:06am

thanks for bring this up robbi.

 

mercury (Thimerosal) in the flu shot is a very hot button issue and thus the flu shot and taking it is a personal choice. 

 

i urge everyone to talk with their doctor and do some research on what is best for them and their family.

 

my choice is to get the shot but i'm aware it's not everyone's.

 

best

sloane

 

Anonymous

10/26/07 1:27pm

Sloane,
We haven't made it back to the pediatrician for me to discuss this with her yet, but I found this on the web today:

 

"People who are allergic to eggs and egg derivatives, and other substances in FluMist, should also not be given the vaccine".

 

That will rule out my son.   

Chupieandjsmama

10/26/07 1:29pm

And that was me above.  I'm not anonymous, I'm Janeen

Sloane Miller, Health Guide

10/26/07 2:35pm

hey janeen

 

i show up on a RAST as having an egg allergy, but it's not something that i notice on a daily basis and i take the shot and am fine.

 

so im curious what she says.

 

does he usually get a flu vaccination?

Chupieandjsmama

10/26/07 5:09pm

No he doesn't get the flu shot.  We did a challenge on him for egg last year (the allergist thought false positive) and his reaction was so severe that we used the EPI and ended up in the ER.  If there is any chance of a reaction from the Flu Mist, I'd have to pass for him.
Janeen

Sloane Miller, Health Guide

10/26/07 5:13pm

sigh. that's unpsetting. i see why you seriously stay away. well it's very smart of you to get yourself vaccinated to create a ring of safety for him!