It’s that time of year again and fall is in the air. But, unfortunately, that isn’t the only thing. With all the fun activities that come with this season such as trick or treat, pumpkin patches and fall festivals, influenza (flu) season is upon us as well and the Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) pediatricians want to remind all caregivers the importance of getting their children vaccinated.
“An annual seasonal influenza vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others,” a PMC Staff Pediatrician said. “When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread throughout that community.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that children, especially those younger than five years, are at a higher risk for serious flu-related complications and that the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.
“For the best protection, everyone six months and older should get vaccinated annually,” said a PMC Pediatrician. “Flu viruses are constantly changing and the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and sometimes updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.”
For more information on the services offered at PMC or to schedule a pediatric appointment, call 606-430-2207.
