Should Kids get Flu Shots? - Make an Informed Decision
May 6, 2007
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Flu season has gotten progressively worse each year. With new strains cropping up, it’s important to be prepared. This includes making sure that your children are protected before influenza season gets going.
Flu season can leave children very sick and missing a lot of school. Should kids have a flu shot? Will it prevent the illness? These are a couple of questions that come up when deciding to vaccinate or not to vaccinate.
The guidelines for flu vaccination have always included high risk groups. These groups include: children aged six months to five years, elderly adults, children with asthma, diabetes, allergies, and other health conditions, family members of a high risk individual, care-givers, pregnant women, and health care workers. If your child can be included in any of these categories make an appointment for a flu shot before the flu season begins.
Family members of these high risk individuals should get flu shots also. Healthy children and adults that dwell in the household with high risk children pose a danger to these kids. If a parent or sibling gets the flu, the close quarters increases the risk of the endangered child contracting the flu as well.
One round of the flu vaccine is not enough for a small child. If your kid is nine years old or younger, two doses of the vaccine are recommended for maximum protection. Each dose is given a month apart. The first dose should be given at least two weeks before the start of the flu season, in mid to late September.
It is better to be safe than sorry where children are concerned. Getting the flu shot doesn’t guarantee that your child will not contract the flu, but their risk is less. Children interact with each other in school and on the playground. They are not as discerning about germs as adults. A vaccination is their first line of defense and yours.
A new option for those over the age of five years old is a nasal flu vaccine. FluMist® is a form of the influenza vaccine that can be given nasally. Ask your medical doctor about this new vaccine and if it is right for your child. Remember that if your child is allergic to chicken eggs they should avoid taking the flu shot. If your child experienced any side effects from the flu shot in the past, future shots should also be avoided.
As parents, keeping our kids healthy is a top priority. During cold and flu season we want to protect them from illness as best we can. Learn ahead of time if your child is at high risk and needs to be vaccinated against the flu virus..
To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.
Posted by admin | Filed Under Health & Wellness, Parenting
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