Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
Should your child get a flu shot? In most cases, yes.
The only exceptions are People under 6 months of age and those with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine (e.g., gelatin or antibiotics).
At Pomona Valley Health Centers (PVHC), we recommend that every child follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for vaccinations, even if the process looks slightly different after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keeping children healthy is essential. When children are current on their vaccinations, they can better avoid preventable diseases like shingles, pneumococcal disease, influenza, and HPV and hepatitis B—both leading causes of cancer.
We understand parents and families with health vulnerabilities may have concerns about in-person visits, but staying up-to-date on vaccinations is vital for protecting children against serious vaccine-preventable diseases.
Families can still bring their children to PVHC for scheduled well-child check-ups and receive vaccinations. We continually monitor and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and have structured our appointment protocols to correspond with the latest public health guidelines.
Participation is critical to minimize the spread of influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Only about 50 percent of the U.S. population will get a flu shot this year despite overwhelming agreement among medical experts and the CDC that every person older than six months should get vaccinated yearly to protect themselves.
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that infects the nose, throat, and, often, lungs. Common symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. For most people, the flu resolves on its own, but it can lead to severe complications including hospitalization, particularly among young children up to 5 years old.
Vaccinating your child is the best way to prevent the flu and lessen its potential complications. Even when the vaccine doesn’t completely prevent the flu, vaccines can nonetheless help to diminish symptoms.
Choosing to get the flu shot this year is important because both the flu and COVID-19 cause similar signs and symptoms. Preventing or reducing illness severity can significantly lower the likelihood of hospitalization, helping to reduce strain on our hospitals and health care system.
The flu is a real and serious threat to the health of our children, and the flu shot is our best defense. If you still have concerns about the flu vaccine, talk to a Pomona Valley Health Centers physician and figure out the best way to keep your child safe this flu season. Call 909-378-9513 to schedule an appointment.
