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Flu clinics across the country are opening this week, and my family will be first in line. As I write, my toddler is a lethargic, snotty mess with a rattling cough. My husband and I don?t look much better. It was a rough night for the whole family, punctuated by unsettled fever dreams, midnight Tylenol doses and pathetic whimpers for water.
This is why we?ll gladly roll up our sleeves and take a shot in the arm in the coming weeks to prevent a repeat occurrence during the rest of the 2016-17 flu season.
But not every family is quite so sure about getting the flu shot. Here are some things you should know if you?re on the fence, or if you’ve never gotten one before.
Should pregnant women get the flu shot"
Yes, pregnant women should get the flu shot. Studies haven?t shown any safety concerns for pregnant women who get the vaccine. However, getting influenza while pregnant, especially in the third trimester, can have serious complications for both mom and baby. The flu shot also helps stop new moms (along with new dads and other family members, for that matter) from passing the virus to the newborn.
Can babies get the flu shot"

Yes, if your baby is older than six months. Children who are between six months and nine years, and who are getting the flu vaccine for the very first time, will need two doses to increase effectiveness, about four weeks apart. Babies will get a lower dosage because of their smaller body weight, but will still need ...