I told my kids they were coming with me to a meeting at the hospital, which they sometimes do – they behave well, I bring snacks, toys, and books for them to stay amused. We arrived in my office, ushered into an exam room, and the 5yo asks me when the meeting will start. I replied, “This is the meeting.” She responds, “Oh,” and then her eye open wide, “Wait, does that mean I’m getting a shot?” – October 2017
What I recommend about the flu vaccine for my family
That’s right, just after a few tears, both kids tolerated the flu vaccine and the 2yo even let the nurse giving the injection hold her, and waved good bye to everyone with one hand, holding onto her prized pouch (only for outings) in the other hand. (Sometimes a kids’ reaction reflects the parents’ behavior, and myself being very matter of fact about it, my kids moved on very quickly to more important matters like food.) I get the flu vaccine every year also.
What I recommend about the flu vaccine for my patients
Of course get the flu vaccine for almost everyone 6 months and above, and get it early because it takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to fully activate the body’s immune system to respond to an infection. The very smart scientists at the CDC have done the research, and I trust them and the data. The flu vaccine prevents death. I work WAAAYYyy too hard at trying to keep my patients healthy, then to let a preventable illness get them down. Getting the flu vaccine DECREASES risk of influenza-associated death by 65% in healthy kids, and by 50% in kids with severe medical problems (CDC). Don’t throw away your shot!
Why is influenza so dangerous?
What’s in the flu vaccine?
What’s NOT in the flu vaccine is a live virus, which means no way someone can get sick “from” the flu vaccine. It’s possible to catch a cold while in the pharmacy or doctor’s offie getting a flu vaccine but not from the contents of the injection.
Who should NOT get the flu vaccine?
Flu vaccine conclusion
The benefit and protection of the flu vaccine seems to far outweigh the risk of death and complications from the influenza infection. Do it. Every year.
**************
My general disclaimer as usual, this is not medical advice. Please discuss and consult your doctor or your child’s doctor to formulate a treatment plan for your child. Call your doctor with any questions or concerns.