Green Treehouse

This year, for the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (”CDC”) recommends that all children between 6 months and 18 years old receive flu shots.

According to the CDC, flu shots are safe and effective against the flu, which typically manifests as respiratory symptoms, malaise, cough, aches and fever. Behind the idea of universal vaccination of children is to protect the high-risk population including newborns and the elderly. That’s what my doctor was getting at when she recently suggested that I get a flu shot, “not so much for you, but to protect your baby.”

Is the Flu Shot Safe for Children

But safety is the big question. Is the flu shot safe for children? In the past, parents have expressed concerns about the use of perservative, specifically thimerosal (a form of mercury), in flu vaccines. Others have worried that the vaccines would further contribute to the creation of toxic chemical soup in their children’s bodies.

Each year, more than 30,000 deaths are attributed to the flu, including roughly 1,200 deaths in children. For many pediatricians and parents, those numbers speak loud enough, making it easier to decide whether to vaccinate. While weighing the safety of flu vaccines is one best left to parents and their pediatricians, here are some interesting links for reading on the subject–click to see what other “mommy” and “daddy” bloggers have to say about flu vaccines:

Dr. Sears - Scroll down to see what this popular pediatrician has to say about the flu vaccine

Go Green with Vaccines (Chicago Moms Blog)

Parents should have choice NOT to vaccinate (R.T.Cave)

To Vaccinate, or Not to Vaccinate — Why Is This a Question? (Chicago Moms Blog)

Shouldn’t We Know What We Are Receiving In Our Bodies? (FIR)

Related Links
To Vaccinate or Not

Related Products
Nursery Essentials, by Mommy’s Helper
ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer, by itzbeen

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