Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems’ Pediatric Health Centers’ Pediatricians in Bristol, Va. and Tazewell, Va. are encouraging parents to get flu shots for their children to reduce risk of complications from flu.
The flu is more than an inconvenience: it can lead to hospitalization, worsening of chronic medical conditions or even death. 30 of every 100 children will get sick with the flu each each and up to 200 children per year die each year from the flu. 80% of those children are not vaccinated against the flu.
Serious outcomes from the flu include:
- Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
- Seizures
- Breakdown of muscles (rhabdomyositis)
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory failure
- Kidney failure
Flu vaccines are inactivated viral vaccines that contain no mercury or other preservatives.
Bristol Pediatric Health Center Pediatrician, Dr. Andrea McClintic, said, “Don’t put your child at risk. Get their flu vaccine ASAP.”
Bristol Pediatric Health Center and Tazewell Pediatric Health Center specialize in pediatric services, from newborn to adolescent care. Our board-certified pediatric doctors have extensive knowledge and experience in the growth and development needs of children and childhood conditions/diseases. The well-being of your child is a top priority in providing the highest quality of healthcare.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. McClintic or Dr. Etter for neonatal care, well-check visits, immunizations, school & sports physicals, and sick visits with same-day appointments available.
SVCHS has community health centers in Meadowview, Va., Saltville, Va., Bristol, Va., and Tazewell, Va. For more information, call 276-496-4492.
