Flu Shots
What Is Influenza?
Influenza, known as the flu, is an illness that comes from influenza viruses. It mainly affects the nose, throat, and lungs. While many people recover at home, children face greater risk for severe symptoms and problems like ear infections or pneumonia. The flu spreads quickly, especially in crowded places or during the annual flu season.
Key Facts About Influenza
- Influenza viruses change often, so different types appear each year.
- Kids under five, especially those younger than two, have a higher chance of serious problems.
- The infection spreads easily when people cough, sneeze, or touch shared surfaces.
Understanding the Flu Vaccine
A yearly flu vaccine helps protect children from the latest influenza strains. Doctors recommend that all children six months and older get vaccinated each flu season, ideally by the end of October. Immunity builds over about two weeks after the vaccine, so getting the shot early gives the body time to develop protection before flu becomes widespread.
How the Vaccine Works
- The vaccine uses either weakened viruses or materials that look like the flu to the bodyโs immune system.
- It cannot cause the flu, but trains the immune system to fight the infection if exposed.
- Vaccination lowers the risk of serious complications and death for both healthy children and those with health conditions.
Why It Matters This Season
With COVID-19 and flu symptoms being so similar, vaccinating against influenza can help doctors tell the difference and reduce overall illness.
| Age Group | Vaccine Needed |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | Not eligible |
| 6 months – 8 years | May need 1 or 2 doses* |
| 9 years and older | 1 dose per year |
Children under 9 who have not had previous flu shots may need two doses about one month apart.
Steps for Receiving the Flu Vaccine
To stay protected during flu season, timing is important. Children aged six months to eight years who have never received a flu vaccine often need two shots, spaced at least four weeks apart. If they have had two or more doses at any time before, only one dose is needed for yearly protection.
Scheduling Tips
- Make vaccine appointments as soon as shots are available to ensure coverage before flu activity peaks.
- Children with egg allergies can safely get flu vaccines.
- Depending on age and health, families may choose between the regular flu shot and a nasal spray version.
What to Know About the Flu Shot
The flu shot is suitable for all children six months and older, unless they have specific health reasons not to get it. It is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Some children feel soreness, redness, or swelling at the site, and may have mild symptoms like a low fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, or fatigue. These symptoms usually last only a day or two.
Types of Flu Shots
Several kinds of flu shots are available for children, including standard-dose and those made for people with allergies to common ingredients (such as egg-free vaccines). High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines are usually for adults over 65 years, not young children.
Nasal Spray Vaccine Option
The nasal spray flu vaccine offers another way to protect against the flu. Most healthy children two years and older can use it. The spray goes into the nose instead of using a needle.
Possible Side Effects For Kids
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache or mild fever
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting or sore throat
- Wheezing (in some cases)
Who Should Not Get Nasal Spray?
The nasal spray is not for everyone. Children from 2 to 17 years who take aspirin or medicines with salicylates, children with asthma (ages 2-4 years with recent wheezing), or those with weakened immune systems should not use the spray. Always discuss your child’s medical history with their healthcare provider before choosing this option.
Points to Consider Before Vaccination
If a child feels sick, especially with more than a mild cold or fever, parents should ask the healthcare provider if vaccination should be delayed. Children who have had a severe allergic reaction to any flu vaccine should avoid it and talk with their doctor about other ways to prevent the flu.
Protecting Against Flu
Besides vaccination, steps like regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing masks, and avoiding close contact with sick people can help prevent the flu.
