700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Matthew Washam, MD, MPH

Posted by: Matthew Washam, MD, MPH on Sep 30, 2025

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV can hit kids hard—but vaccines and antibody shots offer powerful protection. Get answers to parents’ most common questions about the 2025/26 respiratory season and learn how to keep your family healthy.

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Baby staring near the camera while being held in parent's arms
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Should My Baby Get a Flu Shot?
Flu season is here and flu vaccines are more readily available than ever before. You can obtain a flu shot at the grocery store, every corner drug store, community centers and certainly at your pediatrician’s office.
Mother holding baby on her lap in a doctor's office, while a physician examines the baby.
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Don’t Skip the Flu Shot: Soothe Your Child with These Distraction Techniques
No parent likes seeing their child cry during a shot, but vaccines are essential for keeping kids healthy. Discover simple, age-appropriate strategies to comfort your child during vaccines and learn why staying current on flu and COVID-19 vaccines matters.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

covid vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children

Jun 30, 2022

Children ages 6 months to 5 years can now get COVID-19 vaccinations. Two vaccines received emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available for children 6 months and older. Read More

Male teen standing against a blank wall

COVID-19 Vaccine and Risk for Heart Inflammation in Youth: What Parents Need to Know

Jul 02, 2021

Federal health officials have said that there is a likely association between currently available COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents and young adults. Here's what you need to know. Read More

child wearing a mask, receiving a vaccine

Preparing Your Child for the COVID-19 Vaccine

Jun 11, 2021

If your child is hesitant to get the vaccine, here are five ways to talk to them about the vaccine, its benefits and how to prepare them for it. Read More

face masks drying outside

How to Care for Face Masks

Feb 23, 2021

Knowing how to take care of your face masks is vital in order to ensure they provide the best protection from COVID-19 and other germs and helps them last longer. Read More

Medical professional wearing mask holding syringe

6 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

Dec 09, 2020

Scientists have made an effective and safe vaccine to help fight COVID-19, save lives and help people return to normal life. Here's what you need to know.
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woman's arm getting a flu shot

4 Flu Myths Busted

Nov 05, 2020

Flu season is here—and so are the myths about the flu shot. From “it causes the flu” to “kids don’t need it,” misinformation can put children at risk. Get the facts from experts and learn why the flu vaccine is the best protection for your family. Read More

Mold

Mold in Children's Hospitals: What Parents Need to Know

Apr 27, 2020

For children with healthy immune systems, mold exposure from the environment is not dangerous. Some people who are sensitive to molds might develop allergy symptoms due to chronic exposure to high amounts of mold. Read More

Woman wearing a face mask

What Parents Need to Know About Coronavirus

Mar 23, 2020

COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, is a global pandemic. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about COVID-19. Read More