The Impact of Vaccinations on Seasonal Flu

Are you looking for a pediatrician in Sacramento, CA, to provide your child with vaccinations and preventative care? The team at Timberlake Pediatrics delivers quality care to keep children healthy.

Importance of Flu Vaccinations for Your Child

The flu is never fun to deal with. It causes many distressing symptoms, including breathing difficulties, runny nose, headaches, chronic coughing, sore throat, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and more. Unfortunately, it can lead to hospitalizations and, at times, death.

The flu vaccine is one of the most essential steps to keeping your little one protected and healthy. Below, our team at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, shares the impact of flu vaccinations and how they benefit your children.

How Vaccines Work 

 Vaccines are dead or severely weakened strains of viruses or illnesses. They are introduced to the body, which forces the immune system to fight them off and develop antibodies. When a child is exposed to the flu or other virus later, their body has a defense against it, significantly reducing the likelihood of them becoming ill. 

Does a Flu Vaccine Protect Against the Flu? 

Put simply, the answer is yes. The CDC has conducted various studies and shared the results. According to those results, the number of those seeking medical care for the flu has decreased by up to 60 percent. Of the remaining 40 percent who need to seek care, the number of those hospitalized in the ICU has been reduced by nearly 30 percent, and fatal cases decreased by more than 30 percent. 

How Does the Seasonal Flu Vaccination Benefit My Child? 

Children are exposed to germs, bacteria, and illnesses at school, daycare, and playgrounds. Unfortunately, the younger they are, the less likely their bodies have developed immunity against those risks. The flu vaccine ensures they can fight off the illness, leading to fewer sick days and a healthier childhood. If they are exposed to the flu, chances are high that they’ll need nothing more than a few days to recuperate.

The likelihood of doctor visits, hospital stays, and potential death is greatly reduced. 

Why Do They Need a Yearly Vaccine? 

 Unlike some vaccines, getting the flu vaccine every year is wise. This is because the virus often mutates, meaning that the vaccination from the previous year will not be as effective or effective at all. It’s best to stay ahead of the threat with yearly vaccines. 

Contact Us Today

Learn more about flu vaccinations or schedule your child’s vaccine with the team at Timberlake Pediatrics in Sacramento, CA, today by calling (916) 688-5040.