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
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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.
Current as of: October 31, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff You are leaving this website for information purposes only
Medical Review: You are leaving this website for information purposes onlyE. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & W. David Colby IV MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease & JoLynn Montgomery PA - Family Medicine