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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says swine flu is especially hard on children and they need to be vaccinated. However, parents are finding the decision hard to make.
>HOUSTON -- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says is especially hard on children and they need to be vaccinated. However, parents are finding the decision hard to make.
With the new flu vaccine now available in doctor's offices, parents need to decide whether their children should get it or not.
"With everything that is out there, especially for the ones with asthma, this just sounds like something that we really need to do," said parent Colleen Coley.
Phillip Cano is on a waiting list for his own seasonal flu shot. He's convinced the new vaccine is safe for him, but isn't sure if he would give it to children.
"For the kids? I don't know if I would or not," said Cano.
For Charles Jones, the decision is easy.
"I've always been hesitant about flu shots. I and the family have always been healthy and we've never had a flu shot before. So at this point, we've never even thought about going out and getting the swine flu shot," said Jones.
Statistics show swine flu has already killed twice as many children since April compared to the number of regular flu deaths in the last year.
The statistics may not be enough to sway Jones, but they are enough for Coley.
"You see the parents saying, 'We never thought this could happen to us.' It could be you," said Coley.
The CDC says the H1N1 vaccine is safe.
Officially it is recommended for all pregnant women and all children between the ages of 6 months to 19 -- not just those with existing health conditions.
The swine flu has already caused more doctor visits for flu-like symptoms around the country than the peak of many flu seasons. Hospitalizations and deaths are also higher for this time of year.?
The peak of the flu season is usually in February.
