Many don't get flu shot due to neurologic conditions

A flu shot protects children, but only about half of U.S. children with neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions are vaccinated, researchers say. A report, published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, said children with neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions can experience flu complications that can be life-threatening. In April 2011, the Ohio Department of Health and CDC investigated an influenza outbreak that began in February 2011 in a residential facility for 130 children and young adults with neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions. The report found most parents look to their child's healthcare provider for information about vaccines, including the flu shot. Furthermore, the study found some pediatricians did not recognize specific conditions that put children at high risk for flu illness. Children with these conditions are more likely to have complications if they get sick with flu. The study explained the important role healthcare providers play in providing health information about flu vaccinations for children with neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions, the researchers said.