You want what's best for your child. Sometimes that means helping your child prevent certain illnesses, like the flu. Our practitioners at Southwest Children's Clinic in West Jordan, UT, formulated a list of facts that about flu shots for children.

1. It's Not a Live Vaccine

While there was a nasal mist that was an attenuated one, meaning it's a weakened strain of the live virus, it's no longer on the market. The other versions use a dead strain of the virus.

2. Your Child Won't Get the Flu From the Vaccine

Your child won't get the flu from a vaccine. The symptoms he or she experiences are his or her body building up immunity.

3. Some Kids Should Absolutely Receive It

Children with an autoimmune disorder, asthma, heart problems, or various other chronic disorders should get the flu shot. The flu is more likely to be serious in these individuals.

4. Few Children Shouldn't Get It

There are only some children who shouldn't get the immunization. Those are the ones who had an allergic reaction in the past or are too young to get it. Some children with a history of Guillain-Barre also shouldn't receive it, but you can discuss your kid's specific risk and decide if it's right for them.

5. It Can Protect Others

By reducing your child's risk, it's less likely he or she will be able to spread it to others, particularly grandparents or other individuals in your family that are more prone to serious consequences from the flu.

6. It's Safe for Those Six Months and Up

After extensive studies, the flu shot has been proven to be safe for children six months and up.

7. Children Need a Yearly Flu Shot

A kid should get the flu shot at our West Jordan, UT, office every year because the immunity wanes, and the common strains change.

8. It Can Prevent Serious Complications

Although the flu isn't serious in everyone, the infection can be serious or life-threatening in some children.

9. You Should Get it for Your Child Early in the Flu Season

The average flu season lasts from September to March. Try to get it before then.

At Southwest Children's Clinic in West Jordan, UT, we offer the flu vaccines and are available for questions. Contact us at (801) 563-1975.

What you should know about your baby’s first shots.

Your pediatricians want to provide you with the accurate information you need regarding your child’s immunizations.

Your Baby’s First Shot

From the moment your child is born, they will begin their vaccine schedule, starting in the hospital. This first vaccine is the first dose to protect against the hepatitis B virus (HBV). By following the CDC’s child and teen immunization schedule, which our pediatric team follows, you can protect your newborn from 14 potentially life-threatening diseases before they turn two. After you leave the hospital, you’ll visit our office about 1-3 days after giving birth, during which we will administer the second HBV dose.

Will Vaccines Overload My Newborn’s System

We vaccinate our children more today than in the last three decades. This has some parents worried that getting regular vaccines might overload their child’s immune system. Luckily, this isn’t something that you should worry about. Fortunately, studies show that kids who get vaccines are less likely to get sick than those who miss out on certain vaccines. So, keeping up with your child’s immunization schedule will not weaken their immune system or lead them to get sick more frequently.

Are Vaccines Safe for My Newborn?

The CDC reports that the US has the safest vaccine supply in history, meaning millions of children receive safe, effective vaccines each year. Vaccines have undergone rigorous testing before being approved by the FDA. Only then can they be used on the general public. So, rest assured that these immunizations have been tested for safety and efficacy.

We know that nothing is more important than finding a doctor you trust. Here at Acton Road Pediatrics, we can trust that our team will always know your child by name. To schedule your child’s upcoming immunizations, call (205) 978-8245.

Keep your child safe while enjoying fun in the sun.

School’s out for summer, and your child may be gearing up for outdoor adventures, summer camps, swim team, and other activities. Of course, keeping your child safe is of the utmost importance to all parents and pediatricians. Here are some helpful tips to keep your little one safe all summer long.

Recognize Signs of Heat Exhaustion

When kids get dehydrated, which is quite common on hot summery days, they are more at risk of heatstroke and exhaustion. By recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion in your children, you’ll be able to bring them indoors and prevent them from developing heat stroke (which can be incredibly dangerous, especially for young children). Signs of heat exhaustion include,

• Body temperature between 100 and 104 F
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Increased thirst and sweating
• Clammy, cool skin
• Nausea
• Vomiting

When you notice these symptoms, it’s essential that you bring your child into a cool place and make sure that they drink lots of liquids to stay hydrated. You can also help lower their body temp by applying cool compresses to their skin.

Keep Kids Protected from the Sun

Sunscreen isn’t just for adults; it’s also for kids. Just one sunburn can increase your child’s risk for skin cancer in the future. That’s why it’s important that you have them lather up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

It’s important that you apply a generous amount to their face and body about 30 minutes before going outside. If they are going to be playing or swimming outdoors, it’s essential that they reapply immediately after coming out of the way or if they are sweating.

Know Water and Swimming Safety

Summer often means a lot of time spent in the pool or by the water. While the water can be a ton of fun for kids, it’s also important that they practice proper water safety habits to prevent drowning and other accidents. Make sure to keep an eye on your child, even if there is a lifeguard on duty. If your child is new to swimming, you may want to enroll them in a swim class that can help them develop strong swimming skills.

Keep Bug Bites at Bay

Along with protecting your child from the sun’s powerful rays, you must also protect them from mosquitos and other pests that could sting or bite them outdoors. Apply insect repellent before your child goes outside. There are many insect repellent options on the market these days, some of which are made from DEET-free and natural ingredients that are safe for all ages. Ask your child’s pediatrician if you are unsure which insect repellent is safe for them.

Stay Hydrated

Summertime is the best time to be a kid, and these helpful tips will ensure a smart, safe, and fun season for the whole family. Don’t forget to schedule your child’s back-to-school physical with your pediatrician, especially before the sports season begins.

When your child is sick, you always want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to get them healthy and enjoying life again. When your child is sick, you may not be sure when it’s time to visit their doctor, but it’s important that you do know so that your child can start feeling better as soon as possible. Your pediatricians at Southwest Children’s Clinic in West Jordan, UT, can explain when to bring your child in for a child sick visit.

When to Bring Your Child to the Pediatrician

No matter what your child is dealing with, as a parent, you want to make sure that they’re feeling as good as possible. When you’re not sure if your child is in need of a child sick visit, you can always contact your pediatrician in West Jordan, UT, and list your child’s symptoms. Your pediatrician will be able to listen to your concerns and let you know if your child needs to come in for a visit.

Your child will be able to visit that same day and get the help that they need to start feeling better. The main purpose of this visit is to address whatever sickness is affecting your child. Some common instances to call your pediatrician for a sick child visit would be:

• If your child has a fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• If your child has a fever that lasts more than 2 days
• If your child complains about abdominal pain
• If your child complains about pain for multiple days

Contact Your Pediatrician Today!

Don’t hesitate to get the proper care needed for your sick child. Contact your pediatricians at Southwest Children’s Clinic in West Jordan, UT, to schedule a child sick visit and get your child feeling healthy and strong again. Call for more information today at (801) 563-1975.