Pediatricians are concerned about less children getting their annual flu shot than before the pandemic. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, only 55% of children received a flu vaccine last year, a significantly lower number compared to pre-pandemic levels. Dr. Kevin Dazy, a pediatrician with the Childrens’ Hospital of Michigan, explains why its important for kids to get a flu shot this fall.
“When kids don’t maintain their immunity, we certainly worry that it put them at risk for severe illness especially heading into the flu season and this overall winter season with more indoor gatherings and just overall decrease in mask wearing as we get over the pandemic.”
Dazy says he’s hopeful that flu vaccination numbers will increase this year because more children are returning to the doctor for the first annual checkup since the pandemic.
