At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we strongly recommend that all children aged six months and older get this year’s flu vaccine.
Why does my child need to get a flu shot?
Flu shots reduce the risk of getting the flu. Some children vaccinated against the flu may still get sick, but their risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia or hospitalization, is greatly reduced. If your child is younger than five years or has certain chronic conditions, they are at an even higher risk of severe complications from the flu.
My child got a flu shot last year. Do they need one this year?
Flu viruses change, so the vaccine is updated to keep up with the viruses that are most common during the upcoming flu season. Even if your child received a flu vaccine last year, their immune protection decreases. Getting a flu shot every year provides the best protection.
Isn’t the flu the same thing as a cold?
Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems. The flu, however, can cause serious health problems like pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscles, and sepsis requiring hospitalizations. In rare cases, the flu can lead to death.
Can’t you get the flu from the flu shot?
No, the flu vaccine cannot give your child the flu. A flu vaccine may cause side effects that feel like the flu but are mild and short-lasting. These are signs that their immune system is working and building protection against the flu.
Ready to schedule your child’s flu vaccine?
We’re offering flu vaccines to parents and loved ones, so the whole family can get their flu shot together. Take advantage of our user-friendly web scheduling links for our Anderson and Amelia locations. Parents and family members should choose “New Patient” when scheduling appointments. Alternatively, you can request a flu shot during your child’s upcoming check-up without requiring a separate appointment. If you encounter any difficulty finding an appointment slot, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (513) 232-8100, and we’ll gladly explore additional options tailored to your family’s schedule.