- Flu Prevention
National Infant Immunization Week 2021: A Reminder to Protect Your Family
Posted on April 22, 2021
COVID-19 has made it challenging for many families with young children to stay on top of well-child visits and recommended vaccine schedules. As a result, childhood vaccination rates fell in the U.S. This year for National Infant Immunization Week (April 24-May 1), we are reminding families that annual flu vaccination is the best way to protect your family and stay flu free.
It is especially important for children younger than two years old to be vaccinated against the flu. Kids in this age group are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. They need immediate medical care if they become sick. Some of the key flu emergency signs in infants include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
- Ribs pulling in with each breath
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
- Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Not alert or interacting when awake
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F
Do you have questions about flu vaccines? Check out our blog posts on Frequently Asked Questions, flu vaccine facts and how vaccinations for pregnant mothers protect babies, too!
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