As we usher in fall, we can look forward to cooler weather and the changing colors of the leaves. Fall is also the beginning of flu season. The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease that can pose severe complications in children. But protecting your child with the flu shot can significantly reduce their potential for contraction. At Pediatric Partners of Augusta, flu shots are available at all our locations to help keep your children safe.
Why should children get the flu shot?
Children are a vulnerable population, so contracting the flu can cause serious complications, especially for children with underlying or chronic conditions. The flu has proven to be more dangerous than the common cold for children. In extreme cases, flu-related complications can lead to death. While the flu shot does not guarantee that your child will not contract the flu, it does significantly reduce the risk of contraction and accompanying complications. If your child has received a shot and still contracts the flu, the symptoms are likely to be much less severe.
When should children get the flu shot?
It is safe for children as young as 6 months old to get the flu shot. Even if your child is too young to get the flu shot, vaccinating everyone around them also ensures their safety. Because flu season in the United States is from October to May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the shot by the end of October. Still, getting it at any time is better than not getting it at all. If you intend to travel with your children, you should get the flu shot a few weeks beforehand. Globally, the flu is active April through September. The flu vaccine is regularly reviewed and updated, so the CDC recommends getting it every year.
At Pediatric Partners of Augusta, we value keeping your children healthy and safe. During the fall, we offer flu shot appointments at each of our locations, and flu clinics are held some Saturdays for walk-ins. Visit us at https://www.pedpartners.com/flu/ to find a date that works for you and schedule your flu shot appointment today.
Pediatric Partners has three locations to better serve our patients. The Evans office is at 411 Town Park Blvd.; the downtown Augusta office is at 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 2600; and the new Grovetown office is at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, call the office at 706-854-2500, visit PedPartners.com, or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook and Instagram pages.
