Every fall, families start to see signs of the season — cooler mornings, football games, pumpkin patches… and unfortunately, flu season. At Mid City Pediatrics, we know parents often wonder: “Didn’t my child already get a flu shot last year? Do they really need another one?” The answer is yes — and here’s why.
1. The Flu Virus Changes Every Year
Influenza is a virus that mutates constantly. The strains that spread last year aren’t necessarily the ones we’ll see this year. Each spring, scientists study circulating flu viruses around the world and update the annual vaccine to protect against the strains most likely to appear in the coming season. That’s why the flu shot is different each year — it’s like getting a brand-new shield customized to what’s coming.
2. Immunity Fades Over Time
Even if your child received a flu vaccine last fall, their protection gradually decreases over the next 6–12 months. By the time flu season rolls around again, that immunity isn’t strong enough to provide reliable protection. An updated vaccine every year helps maintain full, effective coverage — especially important for young children, who are more prone to complications like pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration.
3. The Flu Can Be Serious — Even in Healthy Kids
While many children recover from the flu within a week, others can become very sick. Each year, thousands of children in the U.S. are hospitalized due to influenza, and some lose their lives — even previously healthy ones. A yearly flu vaccine is the best way to prevent severe illness, missed school days, and hospital visits.
4. Getting the Flu Shot Protects the Whole Family
Children are often the ones who bring viruses home. Vaccinating them helps keep younger siblings, grandparents, and others with chronic conditions safe from exposure. It’s one small step that makes a big difference for your entire household — and your community.
5. It’s Quick, Easy, and Available Now
At Mid City Pediatrics, we make getting your child’s flu shot simple. You can schedule it during your child’s regular visit, visit us for a walk-in during our scheduled times, or come to one of our drive-thru flu clinics. Insurance plans cover the flu vaccine with no out-of-pocket cost. We even vaccinate parents!
Appointments are available now — call us at (318) 221-2225 or request a flu shot visit through your patient portal.
A Healthier Fall Starts with Prevention
A few minutes for a flu shot now can prevent weeks of illness later. Help your child enjoy a healthy, happy fall — protected from the flu. Mid City Pediatrics – Caring for Shreveport’s children, one season at a time.
🌐 http://www.midcitypeds.com
📞 Need to schedule an appointment or speak to one of our providers? Call Mid City Pediatrics today at 318-221-2225
Dr. Cockrell grew up in nearby Natchitoches, LA. She graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern State University with a BS in Biology before pursuing her medical education at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. In 2004, she proudly earned her medical degree and was honored with membership in the esteemed Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. After completing her medical residency training at LSUHSC while raising her young family, Dr. Cockrell made Shreveport her home. Since 2007, she has been a valued member of Mid City Pediatrics, certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
