Getting your little one vaccinated can slash their risk of dying from the flu by more than half! A recent study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal reveals that children who receive the flu shot dramatically lower their chance of flu-related death.
If your family has dodged the flu bug for a few years, it might be tempting to skip vaccinations. But let’s be real: the flu is no walk in the park. It’s not just a bad cold! Along with the cough and congestion, you’re dealing with muscle aches and fever. And for young kids, the flu brings along unwelcome guests like vomiting and diarrhea. Unlike a common cold, which might hang around for a week or so, the flu can linger and lead to serious complications — or worse, death.
The study looked at 358 children aged six months to 17 who suffered flu-related fatalities between July 2010 and June 2014. Researchers managed to determine the vaccination status for 291 of these cases. Shockingly, 74% of the children who died from the flu had not received their flu shot.
For kids without pre-existing health issues, the flu vaccine reduced the risk of death from flu complications by a staggering 65%. Even for those with underlying “high risk” conditions, such as asthma or heart disorders, getting vaccinated still cut their risk of flu-related death by 50%. Among the 153 high-risk child deaths studied, a whopping 69% had not been vaccinated.
CDC guidelines can change from year to year, but generally, they recommend that everyone over six months old get their flu shot. Remember, it takes a few weeks for the vaccine to kick in, which is why you’ll see those flu shot ads popping up before you’ve even had a chance to finish your Halloween candy. If it’s your child’s first vaccination, they’ll probably need two doses spaced 28 days apart to fully equip their immune system.
Want to learn more about family health and wellness? Check out one of our other blog posts on home insemination methods or visit CryoBaby for the latest on home insemination kits. For additional resources, ASRM provides excellent information on pregnancy and related topics.
In summary, vaccinating your child against the flu is a no-brainer. It significantly cuts their risk of severe complications and death. Don’t let the flu catch you off guard; get your kids vaccinated!