Tis the Season for your Kids Flu Shots
It’s that time of year again. It’s time for kids flu shots. Flu season is right around the corner, and the mild flu seasons of the last couple of years might be coming to an end. Mask wearing, social distancing, and limited group gatherings has kept the flu virus at bay.
With school, sports, travel, and holiday gatherings getting back in full swing, the influenza virus will have ample opportunity to spread. While the flu hasn’t been making headlines for a while, it is a virus that can still cause severe illness. Countries in the southern hemisphere, who have their winter during our summer, have already experienced widespread resurgences of the flu.
We want to keep you and your family safe this season, and the best way to ensure the flu does not cause serious illness in your household is by getting a vaccine. Let’s talk about some of the reasons and benefits of getting your child vaccinated against the flu for the upcoming season.
- Influenza can cause serious illness, chronic conditions, hospitalization, and even death. Pneumonia and bronchitis can be caused by the flu, extending the length of time your child is ill.
- The flu can lead to missed school or work. These might not be the most important reasons to protect your family against influenza, but they are still important considerations. Missing a week of school or work can create extra stress and possibly financial hardship.
- Kids can spread the flu to other members of the family. Children who are too young to be vaccinated and people over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable to influenza. Grandparents, siblings, or vulnerable members of the community will have a greater level of protection because of your child’s vaccination.
- Outbreaks of preventable viruses are common when large groups of parents decide not to vaccinate their kids. If you are in an area where this is taking place, you could spare your child the risk of severe illness by getting them an influenza vaccine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all strongly support protecting children with recommended vaccinations.
A flu vaccine does not guarantee that your child won’t get the flu, however, it is effective in reducing infection, preventing serious illness, and can reduce the length of time your child is sick. Kids flu shots are a safe and effective way to protect your family against illness this season. If your child comes into contact with the virus at school and brings it home, it could wreak havoc on the entire household.
We are offering regular flu clinics throughout the beginning of the season with a range of days and operating hours so you can find a time that is easy and convenient for you. Stop by and get your kids flu shots to keep your children and the whole community safe this season, so you can enjoy school plays, football games, recitals, and holiday get-togethers.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (203) 790-0822