Important facts about the Flu Vaccine

Facts every parent should know about the Flu vaccine.

1. The Flu vaccine is essential for children.

 

The flu virus is common and unpredictable, and it can cause serious complications and death, even in healthy children. The influenza immunization each year is the best way to protect children. 

Each year, on average, 5% to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications. At least 101 children died from the flu in the 2016-2017 season, If you choose not to vaccinate your child, you not only miss the opportunity to protect your own child but also can put others at risk.

 

2.Now is the time to get vaccinated.

 

Infants and children up to 8 years of age receiving the flu shot for the first time may need two doses of the vaccine, administered four weeks apart. It is important that these children get their first dose as soon as possible to be sure they can complete both doses before the flu season begins. 

 

3. This year's flu vaccine is only available as a shot.

 

This is given as a intramuscular injection. The intranasal vaccine is not recommended in any setting in the US.

 

4. You can not get the flu from the flu vaccine

 

Flu vaccines are made from killed viruses. Mild symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and chills, can occur.

 

5.  If you catch the flu and are vaccinated, you will get a milder form of the disease.

 

We know that flu vaccines are about 60% effective--yes, we all wish that number were higher. The good news is that vaccinated people who get the flu usually get a mild form of the disease. People who are not vaccinated will likely be in bed with fever and miserable and even could develop a complication. 

 

6.The influenza vaccine doesn't cause autism.

 

A generous body of research continues to show that the influenza vaccine is safe and is not associated with autism.

7.Children with egg allergy can get the flu vaccine.

Children with an egg allergy can safely get the flu shot from their pediatrician without going to an allergy specialist. Even those with a history of severe egg allergy don't have to treat getting the flu vaccine differently than getting any other vaccine, because these people are not likely to have a reaction to the flu vaccine.

Please call our office at (801) 942-1800 to have your child scheduled for their flu vaccine.


Information for this post is found at www.healthychildren.org