Influenza, more often than not, can lead to hospitalization and/or death. People with health problems will have a lot of trouble with it, but it can also be dangerous for healthy ones. When it comes to influenza, prevention is always better than cure. Take action long before the flu season comes around. For children, this might mean getting flu shots at nearby pharmacies or the parents’ choice of pediatrics in Greenbelt, Maryland.
If you are a parent, then here are the top things that you have to remember about flu vaccines:
- It is the best option for flu prevention.
As part of flu prevention, parents will want to instill the habit of regular hand washing into their children. Staying far away from sick people can help protect them from influenza, too. However, these precautions won’t be enough. We cannot also assure that our kids will wash their hands every second of the day, and it is not easy to identify mildly sick people. Although the flu vaccine may not be 100% effective, it is still your best bet for flu prevention.
- Get it early.
Visit your chosen pediatrician in Maryland to get the shot as early as possible. The flu season is typically from September to March. Getting the shot as early as the end of October protects your child before the flu virus runs rampant in your community.
- Children getting vaccinated for the first time need two shots.
Children younger than nine years of age who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time must have two doses. The second shot should be given a month after the first shot. Don’t hesitate to talk to your child’s pediatrician in Greenbelt to know the appropriate dose your toddler should have. Some children, especially those who have only received one shot during their first time the previous year, may need to receive two shots this year.
- There are people shouldn’t get the flu shot and some who should.
Children no older than six months old and those with allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are not recommended to get the shot. Postponing the shot is also imperative if the child is severely ill. Those who need to get the shot are those children who have a weak immune system, lung disease, heart problems, and other chronic illnesses. If your child is at a high risk of complications, they need the flu vaccine to protect them from influenza.
Edge Pediatrics belongs to a pediatric group that promotes flu vaccination not only for children but also for parents. It is our pleasure to introduce more details about the flu and its corresponding vaccine to parents with children who are taking it for the first time. Schedule an appointment with us!
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