It is that time of year again when I spend a lot of time trying to talk people into getting their child immunized against the flu. (A big thank you to those that readily get it every year!) I have been thinking lately about why many choose not to follow my recommendation and it makes me wonder what people think my motivations are.
Basically my motivation is simple. I care about you and your child. Nothing makes me sadder than to hear about serious illness or death in my patients or their families. It is even sadder if the problem could have been prevented.
My next motivation is experience. I have had patients and parents die from influenza. Every year I have some patients that get hospitalized from it. I also have had patients miss important things in their lives because of the flu such as prom, AP / AIMs tests, spring break trips, and sports competitions. Also parents often miss over a week of work when their child gets the flu. (and then another week when they catch it too!) Flu can have a significant impact on your life.
I am also motivated by supporting scientific literature and recommendations from such groups as the ACIP (Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). I have not been brainwashed by a government / big pharma conspiracy. I am an intelligent human being who spent years going to school. I also regularly read scientific journals and keep up to date with current medical information.
In case you were wondering there is no financial incentive for me to give your child a flu immunization. Quite frankly I make more money when I see your child because they are sick than giving the flu vaccine.
In conclusion, my motives are good so please just get your child immunized! (By the way I don't care where you get your child immunized -- we are happy to do it but it is fine to do it at a pharmacy or your work.)
