Flu Shot Could Have Saved 3-Year-Old’s Life, Family Says
Photo by CBSDFW.com
Emily Lastinger was a healthy, vibrant little girl before coming down with the flu. Days later, the 3-and-half-year-old succumbed to the illness.
“We were shocked honestly,” says Emily’s father Joe Lastinger tellsCBSDFW.com. “Emily went from being very healthy to passing away in five days.”
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It wasn’t common for toddlers to get the flu shot when Emily was diagnosed 10 years ago. But her father is convinced it would have made all the difference.
“That would have saved Emily’s life,” he says. The family’s outreach efforts contributed to the Centers for Disease Control eventually recommending a universal flu shot for all children.
Photo by CBSDFW.com
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“We know the best way to protect against the flu is to get the flu shot,” says Dr. Kim Mangham of Cook Children Hospital, where Emily was treated. “The decision not to immunize is a decision that could be very detrimental for your child.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics Journal reported 107 flu deaths in 2013. The journal says majority of them did not have a flu shot.
