Flu vaccine- injection/ spray

[tinkerbell23]

Just hearing about the proposed flu vaccination for all 2-17yr olds in the form if a nasal spray.

The goverment spokesperson just said that markey research tells us that because this is NOT an injection that parents find it acceptable over a jab?

I have no kids, so forgive me if im being stupid? But to me, jab or spray, vaccination is vaccination- its still entering the kids body- so why is it more acceptable??

Personally if i ever have kids, id allow jabs as its for the good of their own health xxx

[daffy654]

It will be a complete waste of time and money in my opinion. These vaccinations generally only cover you for 1 or 2 types of flu, there are many more varieties that may or may not become prevalent in any winter period in the UK.

[Sqad]

\\\\ But to me, jab or spray, vaccination is vaccination- its still entering the kids body- so why is it more acceptable?? \\\\

Good point tinker..........I suppose the spray avoids that nasty needle.

[Smowball]

Wouldnt the needle be more effective? Surely with a spray there is more chance of it not all going where it should?

[tinkerbell23]

I just think a needles a needle!! Its a tiny jab, over in a second, and worth te benefits it brings?

So is it because parents dont want their child to have a small jab that the spray is more acceptable?

I dont know daffy, ill read into it- but the new just said the younger generation are the ones who spread the flu- so if we vaccinate them, its protecting others- ill have to have a wee read up xx

[tinkerbell23]

Well personally smow...id allow any kids of mine to have a jab. Yes it stings- but hey ho!!

I know theres issues with other vaccintions and side effects- but it was the nasal spray vs jab that intrigued me!!! Xx

[Ellipsis]

Needles raise questions about the competence of the person giving the injection, general hygiene about used needles, safety, discarding, etc. Sprays don't suffer the same stigma ...

[ummmm]

Some people are terrified of needles.

[wolf63]

I know that my cat gets steroid jags and that the steroid swamps his body and can cause endless problems.

The alternative is an inhaler which takes the drug straight to his lungs, less steroid needed and less harmful to him.

Maybe that could be part of their reasoning too. :-)

[Robinia]

I don't think small children are going to find a nasal spray very pleasant!

[Smowball]

Mine all obviously have had injections for various things, but my daughter especially is terrified of needles.

[Mamyalynne]

My arm throbbed awfully for 48 hours after my last jab, would not like a toddler to go through that.

[tinkerbell23]

Kids though ummm i think will be because it nips!

Ive seen some folk who are terrified- its a shame!

Good point wolf :) and ellepsis!! :)

What about yourselfs as parents if you have kids or pretending you do? X

[ummmm]

Mine all had theirs, no problem.

[tinkerbell23]

Robina i had a nasal spray as a kid and i used to scream the place down LOL but it had to be done and that what that!!!

Mamya, even if it was for their own good? My arm killed after my one for going on holiday right enough!

Suppose there was just no question as a kid for me- i was having them done and that was that....and er...now i dish em out for a living!!

I really do sympathise with people with a fear xx

[Sqad]

Nasal sprays are very efficient in providing vaccination and if they are cheaper than injections, then one is onto a winner.

[Mamyalynne]

What I meant Tinks was that the nasal spray would negate that sort of after pain - that is based on zero knowledge of it's after effects.

[237SJ]

I wonder if there`s a chance the child could sneeze or blow their nose afterwards and not all the drug would be absorbed? That would lead to drug resistant bugs perhaps.

[Sqad]

237SJ

\\blow their nose afterwards and not all the drug would be absorbed? \\

Good point........but the nose is very vascular and absorption almost immediate, so if the little "mite" didn't sneeze or blow it's nose for about 5 mins, then all would be well.

As for drug resistance, this method mainly applies to viruses and at the moment,we have very little in our pharmacopea to be resistant to.

[tinkerbell23]

Absolutley mamya!! Id be all for it! Xx

[tinkerbell23]

I must say i find nasal sprays work quite well on me!

Will have to go and have a google about the actual vaccination. So far so good IMO though!

Just that the way the TV came across is that parents would deny kids a jab....apart from side effects (which any vaccinations may come with- drops, jab, spray etc) would parents refuse the jab purley because the kid might be sore? Xx