Flu Vaccine for Children
A flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu (influenza) for your child and other family members. The vaccine is given in the form of a shot (injection) or nasal spray. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about which vaccine is best for your child. It’s best to get vaccinated each year, as soon as the vaccine is available in your area. This can be at your healthcare provider's office, health clinic, or pharmacy. If you have questions, talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
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Flu Facts
- The virus in the flu vaccine has been killed (inactivated) or greatly weakened and won’t give your child the flu.
- The flu is caused by a virus. It can’t be treated with antibiotics.
- The flu can be life threatening. Every year, thousands of people die from complications of the flu.
- Influenza is not the same as stomach flu, the 24-hour bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Stomach flu is most likely caused by a gastrointestinal infection, not the flu.
- Flu vaccines are safe for most children. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
For more information regarding the Flu vaccine for children, please visit: www.cdc.gov
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Who should get the flu vaccine?
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all children 6 months and older get vaccinated, with some exceptions. Children may not be able to get a flu shot if they:
- Are younger than 6 months of age
- Have had severe allergic reactions to previous flu vaccines
- Have had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous flu vaccine. This is a serious condition that can cause paralysis.
Talk with your child's healthcare provider if you are concerned about whether your child should get the flu vaccine.
How does the flu vaccine protects my child?
There are many types (strains) of flu viruses. Medical experts predict which strains are most likely to make people sick each year. Flu vaccines are made from these strains. With the shot, killed (inactivated) flu viruses are injected into your child’s body. The nasal spray contains a greatly weaken version of the virus. These vaccines prompt the body to make antibodies to fight these flu strains. It does not give your child the actual flu virus.
How is the flu vaccine given?
- The vaccine is most often given by a shot into the muscle. The number of doses of flu vaccine depends on the child's age and vaccine history.Two doses are needed for children 6 months to 8 years who are getting their first flu vaccine.
- A nasal spray made of live but weakened flu virus may be available for this flu season. It's for healthy children 2 years and older who don't want the flu shot.
What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?
Some children may get mild symptoms for a day or two after a flu vaccine. These may include:
- Runny nose
- Mild fever
- Redness, mild swelling or soreness/pain at the injection site
Symptoms can be managed with children’s strength over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Always talk with your child’s healthcare provider before using OTC medicines and keep in mind the following:
- Don’t give OTC cough and cold medicines to a child younger than age 6, unless your child's provider tells you to do so.
- Don’t give your child aspirin.
- Don’t give ibuprofen to an infant age 6 months or younger.
© 2000-2020 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.