Nearly half of Tennessee parents say they'll probably skip the flu shot for kids

What they're saying: "Children can often get soreness or swelling at the site of the influenza vaccine, but only about 1 in 10 get a fever and other side effects are extremely rare," Vanderbilt pediatrician Stephanie Rolsma, who is an infectious disease expert, said in a statement.

• "The influenza vaccine is inactivated, so it can't give you the flu."

By the numbers: 48% of the parents surveyed said they would be unlikely to vaccinate their child for seasonal influenza in 2024-25.

Between the lines: Vaccine skepticism and misinformation has grown after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The big picture: President Trump's "Make America Healthy Again" commission is preparing to review certain vaccines for links to chronic illness. Health and Human Services is also reviewing federal funding of some vaccines.

• The commission effort is unfolding against a backdrop of ongoing suspicion of public health officials and the tools they used to fight COVID.

How it works: The Vanderbilt Child Health Poll is conducted annually in Tennessee to gauge parents' views. More than 1,000 parents across Tennessee were polled in late 2024.