CDC officials warn parents to get flu shots for children

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns parents to vaccinate their children against the flu. The report shows that of the 115 children who died of flu-related causes in 2010, less than one-fourth of them had been vaccinated. 

ATLANTA, GA (Catholic Online) - The CDC reinforced the understanding that the vaccine is effective. Tom Skinner, a spokesman for the CDC said, "The influenza vaccine prevents the flu and if someone does come down with the flu, the vaccine can help avoid serious complications." CDC officials contend that if the children who died had the vaccine, they might have survived. 

Since 2004, states have been required by law to report flu-related deaths in children and the latest data shows that almost half of the children who died from the flu were otherwise healthy. While young people are not generally at serious risk of death from the flu or flu-related complications, the recent deaths show that even healthy, young children can become seriously ill and even die.
 
Despite the availability of vaccinations in the U.S. there is spreading mistrust of vaccinations and government provided health-services for children. As a result, many children are not being vaccinated. The recent debate between Republican presidential hopefuls Michelle Bachmann and Rick Perry over a mandatory vaccination program in Texas has served to highlight the issue. 

Despite the fact the flu is common and rarely fatal, experts warn that it can be a very serious and deadly disease. The recent Swine Flu pandemic shows just how flu can rapidly spread and affect global populations and historic flu pandemics such as the Great Flu Pandemic of 1918 demonstrate that the disease can kill millions.

In fact, the 1918 pandemic killed more people in one year, worldwide than the entire four years of fighting during the First World War. Young, healthy people were especially susceptible to complications and death. 

CDC officials are reminding people that influenza is a preventable illness.

Do you vaccinate your children? Let us know what you think below.

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