Flu: Should My Child Get a Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine may keep your child from getting the flu. And if your child does get the flu, the symptoms may be milder.

The vaccine also makes it less likely your child will develop other health problems from the flu.

There are different ways to get a flu vaccine. Ask your child's doctor what is right for your child.

It takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to start working. So it's best to get it as soon as it's available. But the vaccine can still help if your child gets it during the flu season.

Key points in making your decision

Keep these things in mind:

  • The flu vaccine is not recommended for children younger than 6 months.
  • Children are more likely to get the flu than adults. Most children get better from the flu without problems. But in some children the flu can lead to a high fever, diarrhea, and seizures. Every year, the flu puts thousands of people in the hospital.
  • A flu vaccine may not always keep your child from getting the flu. But it can make the symptoms milder and make it less likely your child will get other health problems from the flu.
  • Your child cannot get the flu from a flu vaccine.

Who should get a flu vaccine?

Children who should get a flu vaccine

Experts recommend that all children ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year.

You and your child should get a flu vaccine every year to lower the chance of getting or spreading the flu.

Precautions

The person who gives the vaccine may tell you not to get it if your child:

  • Has a severe allergy to eggs or any part of the vaccine.
  • Has had a bad reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
  • Has had Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Is sick. If your child is ill and has a fever, wait until your child is better to get a flu vaccine.

People who cannot get the flu vaccine but are at risk from the flu may be able to take an antiviral medicine instead. Ask your doctor about this.

Compare your options

Get a flu vaccine Do not get a flu vaccine
What is usually involved?
  • You get the vaccine at your doctor's office, your workplace, a health clinic, a drugstore, or any other place that offers it.
  • Your child can wash their hands often and keep them away from their face to help prevent the flu.
  • You can help your child avoid people who are sick.
What are the benefits?
  • It may keep your child from getting the seasonal flu.
  • If your child does get the flu, the symptoms may be milder and your child may be less likely to get other health problems from the flu.
  • Your child is less likely to spread the flu to others.
  • Your child avoids the possible side effects of the flu vaccine.
  • You do not have to take the time to get a flu vaccine.
What are the risks and side effects?
  • If your child had a shot, there might be soreness, redness, and swelling where your child got the shot. Your child might have a fever and muscle aches for a day or two. An allergic reaction is possible, but this is rare.
  • Your child is more likely to get the flu.
  • If your child gets the flu, your child may miss several days of school or get other health problems from the flu that you may need to treat in a hospital. You may have to spend time and money on doctor visits and medicines.

Your feelings and decision

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you and your child in this decision. For example, would it bother your child to miss school because of the flu? Is time or money a concern?

Now that you have thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision.

___I am leaning toward getting a flu vaccine for my child.

___I am leaning toward not getting a flu vaccine for my child.