Not long ago, the seasonal flu had me scared for my babies lives!
When the triplets were finally able to co-bed in one crib at the NICU, it was a special day. It was much like a graduation. Sadly, by no means did it make me feel like we were out-of-the-water concerning their delicate health. I was so happy to have the doctors, nurses, and many specialists caring for my children. Sadly, in many developing countries, children often don’t get medical care from specialists, or even treatments as simple as immunizations and a flu shot.
My children were so tiny. My single finger was as big as their entire little fists.
The tiniest diapers ever were big on them.
Excuse this blurry pic – probably taken from my very shaky hand, when they were six months old. They were still in very small diapers, but taking this picture reminded me of how tiny they were and how much they had already grown, thanks to the care of amazing medical professionals.
Parents need flu shots, too!
I made friends with many women who were in the middle of high risk pregnancies, and others who had children with compromised immune systems. We were all very concerned about the seasonal flu compromising our children’s health, even more. The flu shot and immunizations were one thing we were grateful for. To this day, the triplets’ doctors are always sure to remind me to get them flu shots and stay up-to-date with their immunizations. That’s not all. They urge me to get my flu shot each year also. It’s easy for moms to forget to take care of ourselves, but knowing that it could help keep my children healthy motivates me to take care of myself, too! If I get sick, it’s only a short matter of time before my kids gets sick. It breaks my heart to think about so many children in developing countries who don’t have access to the care many of us take for granted. As parents, we owe it to our kids to take care of ourselves and set the example to care for others. It’s so easy to give something so basic, like a flu shot or immunization to a child in need.
“Get a Shot. Give a Shot.®” helps supply lifesaving vaccines to children in developing countries through the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign. #CollectiveBias
If you get your flu shot, or even any immunization for your kids at Walgreens, you will be helping another child get one, too! Will you take that pledge? I did!
Together, we can make a difference! Please share your own pledge links or pictures in the comments!
Want to know more? Check out this #GetAShot video. It’s really that simple!
By: Alicia Gonzalez
My girls were both preemies too (not micro) and I don’t think anything makes you value vaccinations like spending time in the NICU. I can only imagine what it must be like for children elsewhere in the world that are don’t have access to these vaccinations and their parents. Kudos to Walgreens for being involved in such an honorable and life changing initiative! #client
Oh Kelly! I’m so glad you shared 🙂 I don’t think I knew that about you. It truly is amazing what spending time in the NICU does to a parent.
I’ve never had a positive result with the flu shot. I still get sick 1-2 a school year regardless. I do still get it since I work on the nursery at my church. Fingers crossed it makes a difference.
I think it has helped me over the years! I dislike when you get sick 🙁