FluMist… Not For This Season!

When the FluMist was first introduced, it seemed like parents’ prayers had finally been answered! Any parent who has ever seen their child panic over the thought of a needle understands what I mean. What more could moms and dads ask for than a pain-free flu vaccination in the form of a nasal spray?! (Although having liquid sprayed up your nose is not exactly a walk in the park either!)  Unfortunately, children with asthma are not permitted to take FluMist, so my son Ben had to stick to the traditional vaccine and my daughter who could take the FluMist would always stick her tongue out at her brother with a “ha ha” expression – you get the big and almighty… needle!  Well there will be no more need for tongue sticking in the Shamus household.  The FluMist is no more – at least not for this year.

As it turns out, my son—and every other child with asthma—didn’t miss out on much! The American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced that the FluMist will not be effective enough to combat one of the flu strains for the 2016/2017 flu season. The AAP has recommended that only the injection form of the flu vaccine be used on children ages six month and older.

Kids with asthma will not have to “envy” other kids this year.

So, how can you get your needle-phobic kiddos to the doctor to get the flu vaccine? Here are some tips to make the experience a little more comfortable:

For Babies & Younger Children

• Keep eye contact with your child and talk in a soft, comforting voice.
• Bring along an item that always comforts your child during thunderstorms or after a scary nightmare such as a blanket or favorite toy.
• Distract your child by singing a song or cuddling him or her tight to your body.
• After it’s over, be sure to offer your baby extra support with skin-to-skin contact and swaddling.

For Older Children & Adolescents

• Distract your kiddo by pointing out interesting things around the room. Is there a sports magazine with your child’s favorite player on the cover? Point it out and engage in conversation to take his or her mind off of what’s coming.
• Offer support if your child breaks out into tears. Don’t punish or scold your child for not “being brave.”
• Show your child how to take deep, long breaths in and out to calm nerves. Do it with him or her as you wait for the doctor to come into the room so you can practice together.

For more information directly from the CDC. Go here.  Parents, do you have any secrets to calming your kids down before a shot?  If you do feel free to let us know. Oh and don’t forget to  join our newsletter for more helpful info on keeping your kids healthy and safe.

xo

Iris

Iris Shamus is a mother to three awesome kids & the founder/CEO of AllerMates. AllerMates was born as a result of her food allergic and asthmatic son, Ben. Iris and/or AllerMates have been featured on Fox News, the Doctors, Veria Living, MSNBC, The Today Show & the Huffington Post with helpful advice on keeping kids safe.  Based in New York, Iris & her team ship their products, create informative content & obsess every day about safeguarding kids.