Does My Child Really Need the Flu Vaccine?
Today’s kids get bombarded with vaccines, to the point that many parents are concerned that there are just too many. And, in addition to the regular vaccine schedule, each year parents are urged to get a flu vaccine for their kids. This year, in fact, we were urged to get two flu vaccines; one for the regular flu and one for the H1N1 strain of flu. But, do our kids really need flu vaccines? Here are some questions to ask yourself when you’re deciding for your own child.
1. Is your child healthy? If you have an overall healthy child, it may be realistic to consider avoiding the flu vaccine. However, children with chronic illnesses, those who have been through chemotherapy or those who have otherwise compromised immune systems, should receive the vaccine, simply because they are more likely to contract the disease if exposed. In addition, these children are more likely to develop complications from the disease if they do contract it. In addition, a child who is healthy overall may benefit from having the vaccine only in years where their immune system may be compromised simply from having had lots of colds or other viruses in recent months.
2. Is your child more likely to be exposed to the flu than the average child? Of course, children who attend school are exposed to more viruses than home schooled children, so they are more likely to need the virus. But, in addition to this consideration, think about how likely you are to expose your child to the virus. Parents who work in the medical field may have more reason to see that their entire family is vaccinated than parents in other fields of employment. Similarly, young children in daycare may need the vaccine more than young children who stay at home with Mom.
3. What does your doctor think? Many doctors are open to discussing the need for the flu vaccine based on individual circumstances. For example, my otherwise healthy school age son did not receive the vaccine for several years because there was no real need deemed, and this decision was supported by my pediatrician. However, the flu season during which we had a new baby in the house, we were all vaccinated against the flu, including my son, simply to protect the baby.
All parents need to take an active role in determining the right medical course for their children. There is no reason to require your child to have a vaccine simply because it is available. There is always the risk of complications in any vaccine, though risk is usually small. Many children simply have little chance of contracting the flu, and little chance of developing complications should they contract it. However, there are also many good reasons why certain children should absolutely be vaccinated against the flu. Working with your healthcare professional is the best way to decide whether or not the flu vaccine is needed for your child.
P. Zerkle writes about how to search for online fnp programs.
Tags: Flu Vaccine