Ask Your Questions About the Flu Vaccine

Feb. 27, 2008— -- Today, an advisory panel recommended that all kids up to the age of 18 — up to 60 million children — get the flu vaccine. The vaccine is currently recommended for those who are between 6 months and 5 years old, so this represents a huge expansion.

You may have questions about whether your child should get the flu shot. Are there any side effects? Is your child at risk if he or she doesn't get the shot? Are there any high risk groups that should not receive the vaccination?

Ask Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He is also a professor of infectious diseases. His primary interests are infectious diseases and their prevention. Dr. Schaffner has worked extensively on the effective use of vaccines in both pediatric and adult populations.

Submit your question to Dr. Schaffner below.