Should I let my child have the flu vaccine?

Nasal spray: The nasal spray flu vaccine could be given to youngsters two years and older. Unintended effects may embody runny nostril, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches or fever.

When you’re fearful the vaccine will give your baby the flu, relaxation assured that flu vaccines include solely inactivated flu viruses, which implies they’re unable to trigger an infection. Research evaluating flu shot recipients to individuals who obtained salt-water (placebo) pictures confirmed that the one variations within the two teams are that the flu shot recipients skilled redness on the injection website and arm soreness. They weren’t extra more likely to expertise physique aches, fever, cough, runny nostril or sore throat.

Varieties of flu vaccinations

Relying on the age of the kid, there could also be a selection for a flu shot or nasal spray.

Flu shot for baby: Flu pictures could be given to youngsters 6 months and older. The flu shot is redeveloped yearly to incorporate the flu viruses most certainly to be dominant for the approaching flu season. Unintended effects may embody soreness, redness or swelling the place the shot was given, low-grade fever or muscle aches.

Flu nasal spray for baby: The flu nasal spray could be given to youngsters 2 years and older. Not like the flu shot, the nasal spray vaccine does include stay flu virus, which signifies that it’s not appropriate for kids with respiratory points, comparable to bronchial asthma. Unintended effects may embody runny nostril, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches or fever.

In case your baby has any allergy symptoms, speak with their pediatrician beforehand to find out the very best vaccine possibility on your baby. Kids have to be vaccinated at their physician’s workplace to make sure they are often monitored for any sort of allergic response.

When you’re fearful the vaccine will give your baby the flu, relaxation assured that flu vaccines include solely inactivated influenza viruses, which implies they’re unable to trigger an infection. Research evaluating flu shot recipients to individuals who obtained salt-water (placebo) pictures confirmed that the one variations within the two teams are that the flu shot recipients skilled redness on the injection website and arm soreness. They weren’t extra more likely to expertise physique aches, fever, cough, runny nostril or sore throat.

Flu vaccine worth varies, however it’s normally moderately priced and is typically even free or absolutely coated by insurance coverage. Test your insurance coverage plan for full protection info. Free flu pictures are sometimes provided by group clinics, well being facilities and different well being sources.

Influenza vaccine dosage chart

There’s a commonplace dosage advice for the flu vaccine for kids. Whereas adults obtain a excessive dose of the vaccine to guard in opposition to the flu all season lengthy, youngsters obtain a smaller, age-appropriate dose to guard them all through the complete flu season. In line with the CDC, the next dosages are really useful for kids 6 – 35 months of age, the right dosage is:

• 25 mL for Afluria Quadrivalent
• 5 mL for Fluarix Quadrivalent
• 25 mL or 0.5 mL for Fluzone Quadrivalent
• 5 mL for FluLaval Quadrivalent

For youngsters 3 years of age and older, the right dosage is 0.5 mL for many inactivated influenza vaccine merchandise.

Influenza vaccine schedule

It’s additionally essential to contemplate what number of doses of flu vaccine a baby wants:

Two doses: In case your baby hasn’t had the flu vaccine earlier than and is youthful than 9, they need to obtain two doses given a minimum of 4 weeks aside. Start the method as early as attainable to provide the very best safety. Your baby is extra more likely to get the flu in the event that they baby is uncovered to the flu earlier than the second dose or isn’t in a position to get the second dose.

One dose: In case your baby is older than 9 or has had the flu vaccine earlier than, one dose is sufficient.

Timing continues to be essential. It takes as much as two weeks after vaccination for a kid to be absolutely protected against the flu. The sooner your baby will get the vaccine every season, the higher.

Seek the advice of your baby’s physician you probably have questions on flu safety or surprise which kind of flu vaccine can be greatest on your baby. Additionally test together with your baby’s physician if:

• Your baby isn’t feeling effectively.
• Your baby lately had different vaccines.
• Your baby has any medical circumstances.
• Your baby is allergic to eggs.
• Your baby had a extreme response to a earlier flu vaccine.

For extra info, go to the CDC’s flu website.

Different flu prevention ideas

The flu is extremely contagious for all age teams and can unfold extra quickly in any age group that doesn’t observe correct hygiene etiquette.

Although the flu vaccine is the primary and strongest type of flu prevention, there are some extra issues we will do to stop the unfold of the flu virus. It’s essential to show youngsters good flu prevention ideas to assist scale back the unfold of the virus.

Wash fingers: This ought to be frequent, together with after coming dwelling from anyplace in public, and ought to be finished with heat water and cleaning soap for a minimum of 20 seconds.

Disinfect generally touched objects: The flu virus can stay on objects – pens, door knobs, telephones and keyboards— particularly in the event that they’ve been contaminated by somebody who actively is contaminated with the flu.

Keep dwelling if you happen to’re sick: No person needs to get sick. Preserve your germs to your self and defend your family members and others by staying away from different individuals when you’re sick.

Cowl your cough and sneeze: Don’t let your air droplets journey aimlessly via the air. Attempt to include your cough by protecting your mouth and nostril with the within of your elbow any time you need to cough or sneeze.

Final Up to date: October 3, 2022