Vaccinations have been the subject of heated debate recently. While some people refuse vaccines for their children entirely, some others simply skip the flu vaccine because they feel it's not necessary for children. The reality is, getting your child a flu shot could potentially save their life. Here's the main reasons why your child needs a flu shot right now.
Vaccines are Safe
Most parents trust their doctors, so it should stand to reason that you would trust the American Academy of Pediatrics. The American Academy of Pediatrics is staunchly pro-vaccination and notes that while some people have their doubts, vaccines have helped to protect children from a variety of diseases that could otherwise kill. It wasn't all too long ago that children were suffering from life-altering illnesses like polio, which is now nearly extinct thanks to vaccinations. If you have any doubt in your mind that vaccines could be unsafe for your child, trust your doctor's input.
The Flu Changes Yearly
Maybe your child has had the flu in the past and made it through. Unfortunately, that won't provide protection from them getting the flu again.
The flu, like most viruses, is constantly mutating. Over the course of a year, a single strain of the flu can mutate so much that the immune system no longer recognizes it and doesn't know how to fight it off. Add to that the fact that there are many different strains of the flu virus to begin with, and it becomes clear that having the flu once doesn't provide protection against getting it again the following year.
Vaccinations help to prevent this by protecting your child from the most recent virus that's been circulating the globe. Your child's immune system will react to the dead virus, build antibodies, and be ready if it gets exposed to the real thing.
The Current Flu Is Particularly Dangerous
The flu is always dangerous, but this year's is particularly so. Although the flu season has barely begun, it had already claimed the lives of 37 children as of mid-January. Since children can transfer viruses and bacteria easily at school, daycare, and playdates, it's especially important to vaccinate your child. Just one kid coming to class with the flu could potentially leave the entire classroom sick - unless those children get their vaccinations and are protected.
Don't leave your child's health to chance. Learn more about flu shots through services such as Willow Oak Pediatrics.