Transcript
It’s pretty easy for adults to get the flu shot.
They can get it at a pharmacy, without a time-consuming doctor’s visit.
But in most states, laws prevent parents from just walking into a pharmacy and getting their children vaccinated.
And public health experts say it’s costing children’s lives.
Currently 40% of children don’t get a flu vaccine and last year 143 children lost their lives to the flu.
And experts say it’s important for children to get vaccinated because they are more likely to spread the flu to others since they tend not to have the best hygiene.
Since pharmacies have evening and weekend hours, and there’s no need for an appointment, they are a great alternative for busy parents.
But three states, Florida, Connecticut and Vermont, don’t allow children to be vaccinated in pharmacies.
And another 30 states have restrictions based on the child’s age.
It’s unclear why so many states restrict children from getting the flu vaccine at pharmacies since the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t object to it.
Doctors say change hasn’t happened, in part because health authorities haven’t fought for it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this year’s flu includes a strain that is particularly tough on children.
Doctors say that makes it particularly important to get your kids vaccinated.
The Closed Caption version of this video can be found here:
https://sign1news.com/2019/11/26/sign1news-11-26-19/
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