To vaccinate or not vaccinate against the flu, that is the question. For many parents, the flu vaccine is standard protocol for the entire family. For others, the vaccine’s efficiency is often a topic of debate. With 24,000 deaths caused each year from influenza, the decision to vaccinate is not one that you should take lightly. Weigh the pros and cons of the flu vaccine to see which is the best choice for your family.

Pros:

• The Centers for Disease Control report that the flu vaccine reduces your risk of contracting the illness by 70 percent.
• Not only does the flu vaccine prevent you from falling victim to the flu, it protects those around you who are susceptible to illness.
• Even if you contract the flu after receiving the vaccine, you are more likely to have a mild case of the illness.
• The vaccine provides additional protection for those with weakened immune systems, especially in adults over 50, children and pregnant women.
• The risk of flu related hospitalization drops by 61 percent in adults that have received the vaccine.

Cons:

• There are several different strands of the flu and the vaccine only protects against 3 to 4 strands that research indicated will be common.
• Even with the flu vaccine, there is a 20 percent chance that you will still contract the illness.
• Injection site tenderness, body aches and a low grade fever can be side effects of receiving the vaccine.
• It takes approximately 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, therefore you still are at risk for contracting the illness.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend that children over 6 months of age receive the vaccine annually. After receiving the vaccine, you are protected against the flu for at least 4 to 6 months. However, the flu vaccine is not for everyone. Those with certain allergies, especially to eggs should consult with their doctor before having a flu shot.

To learn more about the flu, or to receive a flu shot please contact our pediatric urgent care clinic at 423.648.6483.