More Children Are Getting Flu Shots Than Ever: Is It Time for Yours?

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Hey there, friends! It looks like a record number of kiddos are rolling up their sleeves for flu shots this year. According to recent data from the CDC, 56.5% of kids aged six months to 17 years received their flu vaccine during the 2012-2013 season, which is a solid increase of 5.1% from the previous year. Adults are also joining the trend, with a smaller rise of 2.7% in vaccinations.

Back in 2010, the U.S. recommended that everyone six months and older get their annual flu vaccine, and it seems like parents are taking that advice to heart! Dr. Emily Greene, a health expert from the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized that “even though we’ve made great strides, there’s always more we can do for our health through preventive measures.”

If you’re worried about mercury in vaccines, don’t fret! The CDC has excellent resources on which shots do or don’t contain thimerosal, the preservative linked to mercury. Their findings show “no convincing evidence of harm” from the small amounts in vaccines, aside from minor reactions like redness at the injection site. If you’re looking for a thimerosal-free option, many are available, especially for kids under three.

And if your child is at least two years old, there’s even a mercury-free nasal spray vaccine called FluMist, which just became available for younger kids! Just remember to skip it if your little one has asthma or respiratory issues.

So, are you considering taking your child for their flu vaccine? It could be a smart move for their health this season. For more insights on family planning and home insemination, check out this link to our other blog post. And if you’re in the market for at-home insemination tools, don’t miss out on the top provider, who offers the best fertility booster for men that you can find here. Also, for those looking to dive deeper into pregnancy and infertility, the CDC has a fantastic resource available.

Summary

More children than ever are getting flu shots, with an increase in vaccinations among both kids and adults. The CDC emphasizes the importance of flu prevention and provides resources for parents concerned about vaccine ingredients. There are various options available, including thimerosal-free vaccines and the FluMist nasal spray for older children.