Moms of Newborns, Will You Get a Flu Shot?

on October 28, 2008 at 9:28 AM

Flu season is here, and although newborn babies are too young to get flu shots, they are at high risk for catching the life-threatening illness. In fact, newborns end up in the hospital as a result of influenza more than kids in any other age group, and some of them even die. So what's a new mom to do?

According to researchers at Duke Children's Hospital, mothers, fathers, and siblings should get flu shots before leaving the hospital with the baby. Their recent study showed that when the rest of the family is protected from the flu, the new baby's risk of getting it decreases.

If you just had a baby, will you and your family get flu shots this season?

About the author Suzanne Murray

is the Parenting & Political editor at The Stir/Moms Matter 2012.

Filed Under: newborns

Comments (5)

KatieCrandall

on Oct 28, 2008 at 1:46 PM

I should have gotten one last season while I was pregnant...not sure why I didn't, but I will every year now! I'm definitely not a fan of shots and don't go to the doctor unless I really need to (usually only once a year, for that "special" appointment), but now that I have someone depending on me, I will be taking much better care of myself!

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mamalyon07

on Oct 28, 2008 at 4:02 PM

I have never received a flu shot, my parents and grandparents did a few times and they got sick with..oh wow the flu! We dont vaccinate in our household and Im sure that we are 100% healthier because of it!

edwinasmom

on Oct 29, 2008 at 12:59 PM

Sadly, I think I just got the flu! :( I'm thinking we'll avoid the shot in our house if only because almost everyone I've ever known to get the darn thing, got the flu anyway! LOL!

zdmj31908

on Oct 29, 2008 at 11:55 PM

before i stopped vaxing, i got the shot for the first and last time while i was preggo(before i learned the mercury passes through the placenta) and it was THE FIRST TIME I EVER GOT THE FLU!!!

jms124

on Oct 30, 2008 at 6:06 PM

With one asthmatic child (born at 31 weeks) and another with lung problems due to RSV at 4 weeks old (born at 36 weeks) you can be damn sure everyone in our house has gotten their shots. I've seen both my children on breathing support and I will do everything in my power to keep that from happening again. Kids die from the flu, just keep that in mind.