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.