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Vaccines and immunizations Archive

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Is the “full course of antibiotics” full of baloney?

Conventional medical wisdom has held that taking antibiotics for longer periods of time produces better results and lowers the risk for antibiotic resistance. But the evidence for this is slim, and researchers are now questioning this approach.

7 tips to help your child start school for the first time

If you have a child about to start preschool or kindergarten, there’s a lot to think about and do to get ready for the big day. Planning ahead will make the transition easier for the whole family.

To the point: Here’s what parents should know and do about Netflix’s To the Bone

A Netflix original movie about a young woman’s struggle with anorexia nervosa is raising questions among parents about whether the movie might glamorize the disorder, and how best to talk to children about this topic.

What’s the best time of year for a flu shot?

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 Image: © Ildo Frazao/Thinkstock

Q. I always get an annual flu shot, but should I get it closer to the official beginning of flu season?

A. In simplest terms, the best time to get a flu shot is anytime you can. Waiting for the "perfect" time could cause you to procrastinate and miss the benefit of a yearly vaccination against the flu, which prevents 50% to 60% of the influenza infections in a typical season. But if you want to time it so it's closer to the typical flu season, October is ideal.

6 ways to keep your child safe this summer

With all the outdoor activities available to kids during the summer, it’s a good idea to take a moment to consider these tips to make sure everyone plays and stays safe.

4 ways to avoid mistakes with liquid medicines

Giving the proper dosage of a liquid medication can be confusing, and parents can accidentally give an incorrect dose if they are tired or distracted. These tips will help you give the right dose every time.

Asking saves lives: A simple question can keep children safe from gun injury

Although talking about guns is difficult and can be awkward, putting children’s safety first means asking if there are loaded guns in any place your child plays.

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