Flu Shots For Toddlers

by Myra Turner | More from this Blogger

27 Oct 2006 08:58 AM

With the approach of winter many people are lining up to get flu shots. Just last week I was in Sears and they had a table set up where you could get shots. I'm a big baby. I hate needles so I've never gotten a flu shot. I figure I'll just have to struggle through the season. I have considered getting one for Tyler but I had concerns about their safety. A new study released from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention finds that flu shots are safe for babies and toddlers. I'm still not sure I will get one for Tyler but I'm glad to hear that they are safe if I chose to go that route.

45,000 U.S. children were studied and according to researchers almost no side effects were noted that would require medical treatment during the six weeks after the children received the flu shot. Researchers reported that they found more cases of mild nausea and diarrhea during the first two weeks than expected but the occurrences were still low (13 of the 45,000 studied).

The elderly and toddlers represent the two age groups that receive the most flu shots according to the CDC. It is recommended that children under the age of 5 receive the vaccination. Should you get a flu shot? Certain groups including the elderly and toddlers are at risk and vaccinations are recommended. Other groups include people with chronic illnesses and health care personnel.

I'm still not sure about getting a flu shot for myself or Tyler. Like I said, I'm a big baby. And since Tyler's not in the target age group I certainly don't know if I want to subject him to the needle either. He's following in his mama's footsteps when it comes to needles. A few weeks ago he had to have a shot for chickenpox and well, let's just say, it wasn't pretty.

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Learn more about Myra Turner

I'm a proud mid-life single mom with an active seven-year-old son, Tyler.

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