August is National Immunization Awareness Month #NIAM

I am working with The Motherhood and the Centers for Disease Control in a campaign to spread awareness of the Flu Vaccine.

 
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I remember last year I struggled with whether or not to get my children vaccinated against the flu. I researched and talked to friends and lost sleep over it. I just did not want to give my children more vaccines and of course they were not thrilled about getting another shot. In the end I did have them get the flu shot.
Well, that time is near again. Did you know that August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) want to make sure everyone knows the importance of influenza vaccination for parents and their children.
There are many ways to stay healthy this flu season.
* Washing your hands.
* Covering your cough and sneezes is important as to not spread germs.
* Stay away from infected persons and do not share drinking glasses or utensils. I will have to remind my daughter of this as she starts school next week.
* Stay home if you don’t feel good. I know it’s hard but you don’t want to infect others.
* The #1 way to stay healthy is to get the Influenza vaccination. You can find more information at http://www.cdc.gov/flu
Everyone older than six month is recommended is get the flu vaccine. Even woman who are pregnant can get it. My husband has a weakend ammune system and it’s important for him to get one too.
With my daughter being new to the public schools and my son is always hanging out with friends we will be getting our appointments for the flu vaccine soon! If you are a parent and want more information on the flu vaccine and children you can find that here – http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents

Some things to think about:
  • The flu can be very dangerous for children. Each year about 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized from flu complications, like pneumonia.

  • Children 6 months through 8 years of age who are getting vaccinated for the first time will need two doses of vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.

  • The risk of serious flu complications requiring hospitalization is highest among children younger than 6 months of age, but they are too young to be vaccinated. The best way to protect them is to make sure people around them are vaccinated.

  • CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: annual vaccination, everyday preventive actions, and use of antiviral drugs to treat flu, if your doctor prescribes them.

  • Visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/parents for more helpful information from the CDC.

 

If you are pregnant or know someone who is there is more information at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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Comments

  1. We always get our flu vaccines every year.

  2. While I didn’t get the flu shot while pregnant a lot of people I know do.. I keep baby up to date with all her vaccines. I only skip the optional ones.

  3. I am glad that my children are up-to-date on their shots. Looks like I will have to get the shingles vaccine myself in a few years.

  4. Currently, my kids are up-to-date on everything. And for extra protection, I’m always telling them to wash their hands after they touch anything at school, that’s not theirs.

  5. such an important message to share with others. I use anti bacterial a lot and were constantly washing our hands. We’d never gotten shots but my kids are up to date on most if not all of their vacs

  6. We get the flu shots – my son and I both have asthma – it’s not worth the risk for use not to

  7. I have wanted Nick to have his flu shot since he’s in daycare, but last year they wouldn’t let him get it because of his egg allergy. His allergist was very upset about that when we saw him in June. He was part of the study that found the shot (not the spray) to be safe for those with egg allergies. I ended up getting the shot, since I work in the schools, so I at least wouldn’t bring it home.

  8. Thank you for sharing these great resources. So much controversy on immunizations now it’s crazy but just having the facts so everyone can make their own informed decision is so important.

  9. I know that many people struggle over whether or not to get vaccinated, so thanks for sharing these great resources.

  10. Great resources. We don’t vaccinate at all but we also don’t do day care and school. At the end of the day, sometimes you just can’t help but catch something.

  11. I’m very passionate about making sure my daughter (and me!) are vaccinated and in making sure the truth about vaccinations and their necessity is out there!

  12. Washing hands is soooo important.

  13. Washing hands is soooo important.

  14. The dreaded flu season…..my lil guy starts elementary school this year so I’m sure we’ll be getting the flu shot for the fam.

  15. I can’t believe it’s this time of year again already. I’m dreading all of the germs that we’ll be exposed to starting in a few weeks.

  16. As a teacher and a mom I’m a huge supporter of vaccinations . Germs spread and are EVERYWHERE! Think of things you touch and don’t even think about it! I’ll be getting my flu shot at my next OB visit 🙂

  17. My kids get all their recommended shots EXCEPT the flu shot. My son had a shot once and got sick afterwards.

  18. I never used to mess with the flu vaccine for myself — but after getting a HORRIBLE case of it last winter, I don’t think I will EVER go a season without getting a vaccine again. It isn’t worth it.

  19. My kids are fully vaccinated!

  20. I was surprised when I went to CVS this week and they offered me a flu shot. I didn’t realize it was already time. Thanks for the great tips.

  21. I don’t typically get the flu shot but will be getting one this year as I am pregnant & so I am more likely to get sick {and can’t use medicines to help with symptoms}.

  22. We get flu shots when we know we’ll be cruising, those close quarters on a ship where everyone is touching hand rails and elevator buttons (shudder) is a breeding ground for germs!

  23. I struggle with this every year too but almost always end up doing flu shots

  24. Every year I say I’m going to get one and every year I put it off until it’s probably too late. I only got it one year and got the flu the next day. I realize that’s a total coincidence but it still lingers in my memory. I gotta get over it.