Posted by: Matthew Washam, MD, MPH on Oct 27, 2025


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.

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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.

Latest Posts

How To Choose Safe Toys

Nov 26, 2013

Before you head out shopping this weekend double check your list against the dangerous toy list released today. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) released it’s annual Trouble in Toyland report. Their key findings included: Lead and toxic chemicals continue to be a hazard in toys. Read More

New "TANKED" Fish Tank Revealed

Sep 26, 2013

What weighs 2,300 pounds and is 8 feet tall? Our new gorgeous fish tank! This beautiful fish tank is a new space called The Pond. Read More

How to Prevent Children From Choking

Sep 23, 2013

Choking is a real fear every parent faces. When your little one starts to put pieces of food in their mouth you need to be aware of the dangers those certain foods can pose. In fact, choking injuries send 34 children a day to emergency departments. Read More

Stranger Danger

Sep 16, 2013

We interrupt this regularly-scheduled blog for an important safety reminder: Strangers may be dangerous! It’s a nightmare scenario for parents. Your child doesn’t arrive home from school at the expected time, or you turn away for a moment—on the playground or at the shopping Read More

How to Choose the Right Backpack

Aug 14, 2013

With the summer quickly coming to an end, many of us are getting ready for the school year which means shopping for that school supply list. As your child oohs and ahs over backpacks featuring his or her favorite colors and characters, you should also look for a backpack that is safe for your child Read More

Allergic Reactions to Stings and Bites

Aug 09, 2013

The day before I was to have my senior picture taken in high school, I was stung on my right hand by a wasp. My entire hand and wrist swelled to about three times its normal size. Read More

The Scoop on SIDS

Aug 05, 2013

Here is a snapshot of our nightly conversation after my husband has put our infant to bed: Me: Did you remember to turn the fan on? Husband: Yes. Me: Is it too hot in there for him? I don’t want him to be hot. Husband: Seemed to be fine. Read More

Is a Baby with a Flat Head Normal?

Jul 11, 2013

A new study in the Journal of Pediatrics – and the media coverage it has sparked – may have some parents concerned. The study, published this week, found that nearly 46 percent of two-month-olds have a flat spot on their heads. Read More