Why the Flu Vaccine Matters for Children in Our Community
With insight from Dr. Ashley Tiahrt, Primary Care Provider at Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics
Vaccines are among the most effective tools we have to prevent disease, protect our children, and keep our communities healthy. Yet in recent years, we’ve seen a troubling rise in vaccine hesitancy—what many experts call an “anti-vaccine epidemic.” Misunderstandings and misinformation have led some families to delay or skip important vaccines, leaving children more vulnerable to serious illness.
As fall settles in, so does flu season, a time when children are especially at risk. According to Dr. Ashley Tiahrt, primary care provider at Pender Community Hospital and Medical Clinics, the flu vaccine is one of the most powerful ways parents can safeguard their children’s health.
“Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to influenza,” Dr. Tiahrt explains. “By receiving a flu vaccine, we can decrease the likelihood of a child becoming hospitalized or even dying from flu-related illness. Studies have shown that the vaccine can cut flu-related ER visits for children in half.”
Unfortunately, many families still have questions or misconceptions about the flu vaccine. One of the most common myths Dr. Tiahrt hears is that the flu shot actually causes the flu. “This is not true at all,” she reassures. “The flu vaccine works by triggering your immune system to produce protective antibodies, it does not give you influenza. It can take about two weeks for those antibodies to develop, which is why it’s best to get vaccinated before flu season is in full swing.”
The consequences of skipping the vaccine can be serious. Dr. Tiahrt has cared for many young patients struggling with influenza, and notes that babies are at the greatest risk. “Until 6 months of age, infants are too young to receive the flu vaccine themselves. The best way to protect them is by making sure everyone around them is vaccinated.”
For parents who feel hesitant, Dr. Tiahrt offers this advice: “Please bring your questions to your provider. There’s a lot of misinformation online, and we want to help you sort through it. We’re here to talk through the pros and cons so you can make the best choice for your child and family.”
The flu vaccine is a safe, effective, and powerful tool to keep children healthy, protect vulnerable infants, and reduce strain on our healthcare system. As Dr. Tiahrt reminds us, prevention is always better than treatment—and in a close-knit community like ours, protecting one child helps protect us all.