Should your child be vaccinated against the flu?

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DENVER – Vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's the question for Colorado parents this flu season. For some parents, that's a no-brainer.

"I think what people do not realize is that if you do not vaccinate your child, it can actually make other children sick," Katie Vitela said.

Others are not so sure.

"Because there is a risk, there should be a choice," said Phil Silberman.

A new report published by C.S. Mott Hospital in Michigan indicates that more than 34% of parents in the United States do not plan to vaccinate their children this season.

The report found that 48% of parents followed the recommendations of their child's doctor. But 21% said they did not remember receiving advice from a health professional.

Nationwide, nearly 180 children died of the flu last year. The Center for Disease Control reports that 80 percent have not been vaccinated.

Katie and Tawni Vitela were skeptical about influenza vaccines but their 8-month-old daughter had just been vaccinated against the virus. They say that their doctors convinced them.

"A number of children understood that, and if they did, it was very deadly for them. That's why we decided to vaccinate her, "she told Tom Mustin of Denver 7.

Phil Silberman does not agree. He is a member of the Colorado Coalition for Vaccine Choice.

"I have been doing research for 14 years," he said.

Silberman said parents should decide whether their children should be vaccinated or not. He believes that the immune system of children can fight most infections independently. He said his 13-year-old daughter was living proof.

"My child has never had a shot. She tests in the top 1% in the state for reading and math, "said Silberman.

Silberman said the research showed that vaccines, whether they are flu or otherwise, can cause everything from brain damage to autoimmune deficiencies. And as for the 80 000 deaths due to the flu last year?

"The research shows that these numbers are incredibly asymmetrical," he said.

Swedish hospital nurse Teresa Nardon could not disagree any more.

"I saw sick children in the hospital. Unfortunately, I have seen children go through the flu, "she said.

Nardon said influenza vaccines were worth their weight in gold, especially for children.

"Two weeks after receiving the flu shot, you develop anti-virus antibodies, which will prevent you from getting the flu or alleviating the symptoms, so you do not have to be hospitalized," Nardon said.

She said that the new study showing that one-third of parents who have passed the vaccination is troubling.

"It's a little terrifying for me just because children are at such a high risk of getting the flu and having a lot of complications," she said.

Nardon said that everything in life entailed risks, but she was convinced that the flu shot was not only safe, but also that it could save lives.

"I really hope that you are passionate about the idea of ​​vaccinating your children and yourself," she said. "Even though we like to take care of Swedish children, we would prefer that your children in the community be healthy and happy."