H1N1 Vaccine - Downers Grove,IL

My kids got their first shots Saturday (children under 10 need 2 shots a month apart). I doubt you will be able to get shots through your pediatrician, though - you can try your local health department. (no bad reactions here - just like the regular flu shot.) But by this time so many kids in our school have flu-like symptoms that chances are even my kids will get sick before the vaccine has a chance to take effect anyway (1-2 weeks)!

Although they're saying that there may be another wave in the spring, I don't know. It would be nice to avoid it - my neighbor's kids (3) just had it all in a row, and she was unable, basically, to leave the house for 11 days. That's a lot of sick time for a working parent, especially if she ends up getting it herself now. So even if no one in my house becomes deathly ill, I'd rather avoid it if I can.

Hi L., I am exactly where you are on this! My 3 kids have never had a flu shot. we did get the flu 4 years ago and is was awful. I still can't decide. I go back and forth every day. So much of the information out there contradicts each other. Just so you know, I did break down yesterday and called the county for an appointment for the flu mist (I'm in Dupage County, they have no idea when they will get the injection) and the first available appointment is 6 weeks from yesterday! My doctor has no idea if they will be getting any either. So I'm assuming that my kids will get the H1N1 flu.

I hear that there are no side effects and you should definately get the vaccine.

Our county starting holding clinics to give the shots last night. They gave 4000 vaccines yesterday evening, and by the time we got there they were out. We will be making another attempt at the next clinic ( next Monday).

Be aware that you will wait in line for a few hours at these clinics. I am hoping I can get the kids first shot at a clinic, and hope that our ped gets them in in time for the second shot.

We keep calling the Dr. office, but they are only scheduled to get the nose spray, which I am not sure of. I want the shot.

nose spray has weak live virus.

Shot had dead virus.

To me the shot is better. We all had the regular flu shot, with no side effects.

Good luck.