According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infant flu hospitalizations in several countries are “at least double previous estimates.” Although the list of countries does not include the United States, the study nonetheless sheds light on some important considerations for health care providers and parents domestically.
In particular, the study highlights the fact that, “atypical presentations of flu are common among infants and that data collected in surveillance systems often underestimate flu’s real-world impact.” In other words, infants’ flu symptoms are commonly overlooked. While this may be less of a concern in the United States – where modern diagnostic tests and protocols may be more effective at identifying infants’ atypical flu symptoms – it is still certainly something for doctors, nurses and parents to keep in mind.
CDC Recommends Flu Vaccination for Infants Six Months of Age and Older
The CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination for infants beginning at six months of age. According to the CDC, the annual flu shot is, “[t]he best way to protect against seasonal flu and its potentially severe consequences.” The CDC also states that the study’s findings, “emphasize the importance of flu vaccination during pregnancy, which has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby from flu-related illness and hospitalizations for the first several months of life.”
What Do Parents of Young Children Need to Know about the Annual Flu Shot?
In addition to understanding the CDC’s vaccination recommendations, what else do parents of young children need to know about the annual flu shot?
1. The CDC Recommends the Annual Flu Shot for Most People.
While the CDC recommends the annual flu shot for most people, the CDC also states that certain people should not get the flu shot – or should at least consult their physicians prior to getting immunized. For more information, you can read the CDC’s publication: Who Should and Who Should NOT get a Flu Vaccine.
2. Flu Shots Can Cause Shoulder Injuries and Other Vaccine-Related Injuries and Illnesses Among Infants.
Like all vaccine recipients, infants who receive the annual flu shot are at risk for certain vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. This includes shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), which result from errors during the vaccination process.
3. Parents of Infants Diagnosed with Vaccine-Related Injuries and Illnesses Can Seek Financial Compensation Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal government program that pays financial compensation to individuals and families who are coping with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Parents who have concerns about the effects of their infants’ vaccinations should see a doctor promptly and consult with a vaccine lawyer about their family’s legal rights.
Speak with National Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant
Has your child been diagnosed with SIRVA or any other vaccine-related injury or illness? If so, we encourage you to contact us for a free initial consultation about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). To speak with national vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant in confidence, please call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.