Insisting on the Flu Vaccine is an Act of Love for Your Family and Community

As parents, keeping our kids safe, happy, and healthy can seem never-ending. From buying the right car seats and baby proofing our homes to packing the most nutritious lunches possible, the critical role of a parent and caregiver cannot be overstated. As we roll into flu season, there’s another way you can help ensure your child’s well-being…with a flu shot. While we understand that getting a vaccine of any kind is not the most fun experience in the world - for the child or the parent - consider it an act of love and a commitment to helping your child be well this season.

The Historic 2024/2025 Flu Season

Last year was one for the record books in terms of pediatric flu hospitalizations and deaths. And the saddest part is that in most cases, it was preventable. 90% of children who died from the flu were not fully vaccinated. Please read that a second time.
The flu can be a very serious illness, particularly in young children whose bodies haven’t built up immunity to fight off complications that can arise from it. The flu vaccine dramatically lowers the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

How the Flu Vaccine Works

When a person receives the flu vaccine, the body sees the inactivated (or dead) virus as an invader and moves into defense mode. It produces antibodies that work as a shield, protecting against illness. The body then remembers that virus and, when exposed to it in the future, releases more antibodies to fight it off. To be clear, you can still get the flu when you’ve been vaccinated; however, your risk of it becoming serious is much less than in someone who hasn’t been vaccinated because your body knows how to fight it.

Time is Of the Essence

When it comes to the flu, time is of the essence. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control both recommend annual flu vaccines for children between six months and older. However, when getting the vaccine for the very first time in one’s life, children six months to eight years of age will need two doses to start. Getting the vaccine early (preferably before the end of October) allows time for the body to build up immunity, which can take up to two weeks.

Changes to the Flu Vaccine

New this year, the flu vaccine is free of the preservative thimerosal in children, pregnant women, and adults. The vaccine will protect against the most common flu viruses expected this season, including influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B.

Insisting that your child be vaccinated against the flu not only protects them, but also protects everyone else they encounter. This type of protection is called community immunity (catchy, huh?). From grandparents who may be immunocompromised to classmates at school, by vaccinating your child, you’re helping prevent the spread of the virus to those most vulnerable. Besides, no one likes being sick, especially with the flu!

We already have the flu vaccine in stock, so give us a call at 919-720-4876 to schedule your child’s appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you and your family stay healthy this season.