To Flu Shot or Not to Flu Shot

For some getting a flu shot is as routine as visiting the dentist. For others they swear the flu shot gave them the flu and they avoid it at all costs. Dr. Deepa Sukumar, our "resident pediatrician," weighs in on the flu shot and kids. 

(Consult a pediatrician from the comfort of your home 24/7. www.gracemdconnect.com)

Flu shot - need to know facts

• The injectable form of the flu vaccine is recommended to all children 6 months or older. Flu shot (not the spray) has provided consistent protection against most strains of flu.
• The flu vaccine your child will receive during this season is against the viruses research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The flu vaccine cannot prevent flu that is caused by a viral strain that is not covered by the vaccine.
• The vaccine is also known to reduce the risk of hospitalizations and flu-related death in children.
• CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine by the end of October because your child needs at least 2 weeks for the antibodies against influenza virus to be developed. 
• Children 6 months to 8 years need 2 doses of flu shots if it is their first time getting the vaccine. Everyone else needs only one dose per season.
• Children with asthma, seizure disorders, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or blood disorders have relatively high risk of flu-related complications and will need the flu shot.
• The flu shot is also recommended in pregnant women, and it helps protect the newborn since the antibodies are transferred to the baby in the womb. They can receive the vaccine anytime during pregnancy.
• Children who have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu shot before or, are allergic to the components of the flu shot, should not receive the vaccine. Also if your child has ever had GBS (Guillain Barre - Syndrome), he/she cannot get the flu shot.
• If your child is allergic to eggs, you must talk to your pediatrician and get his/her recommendation regarding receiving the flu vaccine.
• Finally, there is no live virus in the flu shot. So your child cannot get the flu from the flu shot.

(CDC.gov is a good site to get more info regarding the flu vaccine.)
#flushot #pediatrician #kids #healthy #fluvaccine #angels #booksforkids #angelbooks #whereisyourangel #angelwatchingoverme #elf #shelf #stayhealthy #divine