The Flu and the Flu Vaccine, my thoughts, by Dr Lieberman

December 30, 2024

Taking time to think about the flu vaccine.

As a pediatrician, I work every day to ensure the health and safety of children. This is not just a professional responsibility—it’s a personal commitment to the well-being of every child I see. Recently, I came across a tragic statistic that has weighed heavily on my mind: 200 children died from the flu last year, and about 80% of them were either not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated against the flu. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives lost, families devastated, and communities left to mourn.

Flu Vaccination: Protecting Your Child from Preventable Illness

I understand that parental choice plays a significant role in vaccination decisions. The decision to vaccinate is deeply personal, and I respect the concerns many parents have. Some worry about the safety of the flu vaccine, while others believe their child’s health will protect them from contracting the flu. As a pediatrician, my goal is not to pressure, but to provide evidence-based information that might help you make an informed decision for your child's health.

The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine has been in use since 1945 and has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent illness, hospitalization, and death caused by influenza. Despite its efficacy, many children still die from the flu every year, and many of these tragic deaths could be prevented through vaccination. While the flu vaccine isn’t perfect, it remains our best protection against this potentially deadly disease.

Safety of the Flu Vaccine

Concerns about vaccine safety are common, but it’s important to note that severe reactions to the flu vaccine are extremely rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than 3% of people experience serious side effects from the flu vaccine, and those that do are usually mild (like soreness or a low-grade fever). The risks of flu-related complications—such as pneumonia, dehydration, and even death—far outweigh the risks of mild side effects.

In fact, last year the CDC estimated that the flu vaccine prevented approximately 3,700 deaths and 65,000 hospitalizations. This underscores the importance of flu vaccination, especially for children.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy and Decision-Making

As humans, we often fear doing something that could cause harm (an act of commission) more than failing to do something that could prevent harm (an act of omission). This is why some parents hesitate to vaccinate their children—the fear of an unknown side effect feels more frightening than the risk of getting sick. However, it’s important to understand that choosing not to vaccinate is, in itself, a decision. When you decide against vaccination, you are taking the risk that your child could contract the flu and face serious complications.

Flu Complications: Why Vaccination Is Crucial

The flu may seem like “just a bad cold” to some, but for others, it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, heart inflammation, brain inflammation, and muscle inflammation, which can result in long-term hospital stays or even death. Children under six months, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the flu’s complications.

The Flu Vaccine: Protecting Not Just Your Child, But Others

While the flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it significantly lowers the chance of severe illness. And when you vaccinate your child, you are not only protecting them but also helping to protect others. For instance, infants under 6 months old, who cannot get vaccinated themselves, rely on the immunity of those around them.

Supporting Parental Choice While Highlighting the Benefits

As a pediatrician, I respect and care deeply for all my patients, regardless of their vaccination status. However, for parents still on the fence about the flu vaccine, I encourage you to consider the facts. Flu vaccination has a long history of safety and effectiveness, and the benefits far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of children.

For families who remain concerned, I am always available to answer questions and provide guidance. But it’s important to remember that the flu vaccine is not just about avoiding a few days of missed school or work—it’s about preventing potentially deadly outcomes. Every year, the flu claims lives, and many of these deaths could have been prevented with timely vaccination.

The Flu Vaccine Saves Lives

Ultimately, the choice to vaccinate is about making the best decision for your child's health and safety. While I fully support parental autonomy, I urge parents to consider the evidence and the life-saving potential of the flu vaccine. Vaccination is a protective measure—it’s a way to prevent tragedy, reduce the risk of severe illness, and keep your child safe throughout the flu season.

Why Flu Vaccination Is Essential: Protect Your Child Today

I care deeply about every child in my practice, and it’s my job to provide the best medical advice to help ensure they grow up healthy and strong. The flu vaccine is a simple, effective, and life-saving tool that can help prevent your child from suffering, being hospitalized, or losing their life to a preventable illness.

If you’re still uncertain, I encourage you to reach out with any questions. Together, we can make the best choice to protect your child.

Dr. Lieberman

Keywords: flu vaccine for children, importance of flu vaccine, pediatric flu vaccination, flu vaccine safety, vaccine hesitancy and flu, flu vaccine benefits for children, preventing flu complications, flu vaccination in pediatrics, protecting your child from the flu, CDC flu vaccine statistics

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Working with Kids who have ADHD

By Alexis Lieberman • February 19, 2025

A few days ago, I had the chance to meet with a young patient I’ve known since he was born. Now seven years old, he came in to talk about his recent ADHD diagnosis. It was a big moment for him, but also a reminder of how important it is to really understand and support kids with ADHD. ADHD Symptoms and School Challenges Like many kids with ADHD, he was super outgoing and not at all shy about talking to me. He opened up right away about his relationships with his teachers, classmates, and how school was going for him. It was clear he was doing okay—he wasn’t crying at school or yelling at his teachers, which showed he had a pretty good handle on his emotions and impulses. That’s something kids with ADHD often struggle with, so it was nice to see that he had some self-control. Of course, like many kids with ADHD, he had trouble staying seated for long periods of time. It’s a common issue since kids with ADHD often have lots of energy and a hard time focusing for long stretches. This kid really struggled with staying in one spot for too long, which is a big problem in traditional classrooms where kids are expected to sit still and pay attention for hours. Creative Solutions for ADHD Kids: Thinking Outside the Classroom That got me thinking—what if there was a different kind of school for kids with ADHD? I’ve always wondered if programs like apprenticeships, where kids learn to be a woodworker or blacksmith, might work better. These types of hands-on jobs involve a lot of movement and learning by doing, which seems like it might be a better fit for kids who need to move around to stay engaged. Traditional school can feel like a tough fit for kids with ADHD, who often need to move and get their energy out in order to stay focused. I’ve also seen this firsthand with my own child, who has ADHD. My child had a math teacher who figured out that kids with ADHD need to move in order to stay engaged. Instead of sitting still at desks, the teacher had them stand up and use hand gestures to show math concepts. For example, they’d cross their arms to show multiplication and hold their arms parallel to show the equals sign. It wasn’t just fun—it worked! It helped the kids focus and made math a lot more interactive. That teacher understood that keeping kids with ADHD engaged meant thinking outside the box, and it made a huge difference for my child and the other kids. The Importance of ADHD Accommodations in School For the boy I saw recently, things at school were going okay, but we talked about the fact that he’d need support to keep thriving. Luckily, he already has a 504 Plan in place, which provides him with some important accommodations at school. Not all teachers are great at handling kids with ADHD, and some may not understand how important it is for kids to have room to move and get their energy out. But with his 504 Plan, he’s allowed to stand up and move around in class, which will help a lot. This kind of flexibility makes a big difference in helping kids succeed. ADHD Medication: A Tool for Focus and Success We also talked about the possibility of trying some medication to help with his ADHD. This is a topic that often brings up questions from parents. Just the other day, a mom asked me if giving her child a pill to help with ADHD might teach the child to look for pills as a way to solve problems in the future. It’s a good question, and I totally understand her concern. But research actually shows that kids with ADHD who take medication are less likely to develop substance abuse problems later in life. It’s a counterintuitive finding, but it makes sense when you think about it. Medication for ADHD helps improve focus, self-control, and overall functioning, which can actually make it less likely for kids to engage in risky behaviors. When ADHD is left untreated, kids may have a harder time with impulse control and regulating their emotions, which can sometimes lead to problems down the road. So, medication is just one part of a bigger picture—a tool in the toolbox, along with other strategies like therapy, lifestyle changes, and support at school. The Difference Between Drugs and Medication for ADHD The day before I met with this boy, I saw another child with ADHD. He was just as chatty and full of ideas, and I could’ve easily spent more time talking to him about his thoughts and creative ideas. He had a really interesting way of explaining the difference between “taking drugs” and “taking medication.” He understood that drugs are bad for you, but he also got that medication, when prescribed properly, can help you manage things like ADHD. It was a great reminder of how these kids, despite their challenges, often have a clear understanding of the world around them and how things work. The Joy of Working with Kids with ADHD Taking care of kids with ADHD is something I really enjoy. They’re often so smart, creative, and full of life—it’s impossible not to appreciate the way they see the world. These kids can be wildly inventive, and their way of thinking is often fresh and exciting. As a doctor, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and to see how they grow and learn. For me, the most important part of this work is being a part of their team as they grow and helping them find the tools and strategies they need to become their best selves. It’s not just about treating a diagnosis—it’s about supporting them as they discover who they are and what they’re capable of. Building Strong Connections with ADHD Kids and Their Families But it’s also about the connections. Getting to know each child, understanding their unique strengths and struggles, is what makes this work so fulfilling. It’s not just about the medical side of things—it’s about the relationship, the trust, and the shared moments that come with working closely with these kids. Every child brings something special to the table, and it’s a privilege to witness their growth and to be there for them every step of the way. Helping these kids succeed is full of joy, laughter, and meaningful moments, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Conclusion: Supporting Kids with ADHD to Reach Their Full Potential In the end, my goal is to help kids with ADHD become the best versions of themselves. With the right tools and strategies—whether through hands-on learning, classroom accommodations, therapy, or medication—we can help them manage their challenges and succeed in school and life. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support these kids as they grow into their full potential.