TAMPA, Fla. — From the playground to the pediatrician’s office, parents have a decision to make this flu season.

  • Parents struggle with decision to get flu shots
  • New poll says 34 percent unlikely to get kids the shot
  • Many believe shots don't work & are concerned about side effects

Debbie Tight says the decision was easy to make for her three children.

"It’s something that I do every year just to give them you know their best chance against fighting something like the flu because it goes around rampantly it seems every year," Tight said. 

However, not all parents agree.  A poll administered by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital said 34 percent of parents responded saying their child was unlikely to get the flu shot this year.

The most popular reasons parents gave in the poll for not getting their child the flu vaccine were; they were concerned about side effects, they didn’t think their healthy child needed the shot, or they just didn’t think it worked.

Pediatrician Greg Savel with Myrtle Avenue Pediatrics encourages parents at his practice to get their child the flu vaccine, saying it saves lives and can help safeguard children and those around them.

"How do we know that child won’t get a low-grade flu and then say hello to somebody at the local grocery store whose on chemotherapy for breast cancer or somebody who has a compromised immune system?" said Dr. Savel.

The report suggests comments from friends, family, and other parents prompted them to question the vaccine.

"Educate yourself the proper way and understand the reason why there is a flu vaccine and if you have questions talk to your pediatrician or physician to help you make the right choice," said Dr. Savel.