Getting your child vaccinated is crucial for their health, particularly when it comes to the flu. Recent research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal reveals that flu shots can significantly lower the risk of flu-related deaths in children—by at least half.
It’s easy to forget how severe the flu can be, especially if your family has been fortunate enough to avoid it for a while. Many parents might dismiss the flu as just a bad cold, but the reality is far more serious. Along with typical cold symptoms, flu can bring on fever, muscle aches, and for young children, it can lead to additional issues like vomiting and diarrhea. The flu can linger for weeks and potentially result in complications or even death in some cases.
The study analyzed 358 children between the ages of six months and 17 who died from flu-related causes from July 2010 to June 2014. Researchers were able to determine the vaccination status of 291 of these cases, and alarmingly, 74% of the children who died had not received their flu shot. For children without underlying health issues, the flu vaccine decreased the risk of death by an impressive 65%. For those with “high risk” medical conditions—such as asthma or heart issues—the vaccine still cut their death risk in half. Of the 153 high-risk children studied, a staggering 69% had not been vaccinated.
While the CDC updates its flu vaccination guidelines annually, the general recommendation is that everyone aged six months and older should get the flu shot. It’s important to note that the vaccine takes a couple of weeks to build immunity, which is why vaccination campaigns begin as early as before Halloween. If it’s your child’s first flu shot, they’ll likely need two doses spaced 28 days apart to ensure their immune system is fully primed.
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In summary, flu vaccinations are vital for protecting children from severe illness and potential death. Ensuring your child is vaccinated not only safeguards their health but also contributes to the overall wellbeing of the community.