from Columbia University
Parents concerns about vaccines are very real, even if some of those concerns may not be science-based. For instance, only about one-half of children in this country get the flu vaccine. Yet for young children, the flu can be especially dangerous, possibly resulting in hospitalization and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly urge annual flu shots for children over six months of age. Doctors at Columbia University discovered giving parents either one of two factual pamphlets significantly increased children’s flu vaccinations compared to parents who did not receive either pamphlet. Discussing flu vaccinations with your child’s healthcare provider may be a good start in the decision process.