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When flu season arrives, you have an important decision as a parent: should your child receive a flu shot? Many parents struggle with this question because they aren’t sure whether their child is too young for the shot or if flu vaccines are safe for children. To help you make the right choice for your little one’s health, here’s what you should know about the flu shot. 

A Parent’s Guide to Flu Vaccines

What Does the Flu Shot Protect Against?

The flu shot protects against four types of the influenza virus, which is an infection of the respiratory system. Common flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people may also experience life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, heart inflammation, and multi-organ failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccines prevented about 7.1 million cases of influenza and 3.7 million influenza-related medical visits during the 2017-2018 flu season

Is It Safe for My Child? 

vaccinesThe flu shot has been deemed safe for most children. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive an influenza vaccine each year. The shot is particularly important for children aged 6 months through 4 years, as they’re considered high risk for developing health problems from the flu. However, you should talk to your pediatrician before scheduling a flu shot for your child if:

  • Your child isn’t feeling well.
  • Your child had a severe reaction to a past flu vaccine.
  • Your child is allergic to eggs, as most flu vaccines feature a small amount of egg protein.

In addition, children should not receive the flu shot if they have severe, life-threatening allergies to gelatin, antibiotics, or any other ingredients in the flu vaccine. Ask your pediatrician for more information. 

How Can I Prevent the Flu From Spreading Around My Home? 

To further protect your child from the flu, take the following steps:

  • Make sure everyone in the home aged 6 months and older who doesn’t have a severe allergy to flu vaccine ingredients is vaccinated.
  • Encourage everyone in the home to cover their sneezes and coughs.
  • Encourage everyone in the home to wash their hands frequently. 
  • Keep your home clean to remove flu germs.

 

If your child is due for a flu shot, turn to the gentle, experienced team at Tinkelman Pediatrics in Brockport, NY. Board-certified pediatrician Dr. David Tinkelman and his friendly staff serve patients from birth to age 21. In addition to flu vaccines, they provide a wide variety of children’s medical services, including other immunizations, routine checkups, and sports physicals. Learn more about their services online, and call (585) 637-0060 to schedule an appointment today.

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