With the new school year starting in just a couple of months, your children need to be prepared. While it's important to keep their mind fresh to prevent the summer slide, you should also schedule an appointment with their pediatrician, so your child can get a flu vaccine. When your child gets this shot each year, they are more likely to be healthy and keep other around them from catching the flu. Here are a few reasons why your child should get their flu shot each year. 

Why Should Kids Be Vaccinated Against the Flu?

1. Prevent Serious Illness

Children under the age of 5, and especially those who are 2 and under, are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu. These include pneumonia, a serious lung infection, as well as dehydration, worsening of existing conditions such as asthma, and sinus issues, among others. Getting vaccinated is the strongest line of defense against serious consequences. While the vaccine doesn’t always prevent against the flu completely, children who get their flu shots are less likely to be hospitalized if they do contract the virus. 

2. Protect Others

Some members of the population, including babies under the age of six months and individuals with severe allergies to certain ingredients, should not receive the flu shot. Luckily, being vaccinated helps reduce the risk of passing a flu virus along to these vulnerable members of the population. Thus, if you or a close family member are expecting or have a new baby, your child should be vaccinated to reduce the risk of passing the flu to a newborn. 

3. Benefit From a Safe Vaccine

The flu shot has been widely administered to the population for five decades. Fortunately, allergic reactions to its ingredients are rare. Side effects are generally temporary and mild, and may include soreness and redness at the injection site, headache, nausea, muscle aches, and fever. If your child has allergies and you’re concerned about potential risks, your pediatrician can make a recommendation based on your child’s unique circumstances. 

Whether your child is feeling under the weather or they’re due for a vaccine, turn to Children & Adolescent Clinic in Hastings, NE. This team of pediatricians offers quality care for patients as young as newborns through teenagers, including routine check-ups, vaccines, and sick visits. Find out more about their providers online or schedule an appointment by calling (402) 463-6828.