Some parents opt to skip flu vaccines, seek alternative methods

Only about 59 percent of kids have gotten the flu vaccine in recent years.

A new survey finds kids whose parents take them for alternative therapies are less likely than others to get a flu shot.

No one is saying there's anything wrong with alternative treatments such as massage or acupuncture. But most agree these should be done along with traditional medicine.

Another reason some skip the vaccine is they think it's not effective.

It does vary from year to year, but on a good year, the vaccine can cut the risk of getting the flu by up to 60 percent. It's still one of the best prevention tools.

Kids younger than five are at a greater risk for complications from the flu. The vaccine can help prevent serious problems.