Flu Vaccine in Children: What Parents Should Know
The yearly flu vaccine helps to boost your body’s protection and reduce the risk of serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia or other secondary bacterial infections. It is especially important for young children and those that are considered high-risk. Learn all about this safe and effective way to help prevent the flu and improve outcomes should your child become infected!
What Is the Flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a viral illness that affects the respiratory system, specifically the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It is a highly contagious infection that spreads easily from person to person, especially to children in group settings like school or daycare.
While the flu can share many of the same symptoms as the common cold, the flu can cause more serious illness and flu-related complications, like pneumonia or other secondary bacterial infections. Although most children have an uncomplicated illness that lasts less than a week, children younger than 5 years old—especially those under 2 years old or those of any age with certain chronic health conditions—are at an increased risk of severe illness and the development of potentially serious complications.
Influenza viruses constantly change (or, mutate). These mutations make it difficult for children’s (and adults’!) immune systems that were previously infected with the flu to recognize the “new strand.” This allows for the virus to go undetected by the person’s immune system, infecting them—even if they previously had the flu. In other words:
When a person is infected with an influenza virus, they develop antibodies that will recognize and fight that specific virus if encountered again in the future.
The virus mutates.
The person’s antibodies no longer recognize this new changed virus during the next flu season.
The person becomes infected with influenza again from this different strand.
What Is the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine, or flu shot, can help protect your child from the flu and help reduce the risk of serious complications. Both The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all children 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. This is because influenza viruses change every year, so an updated flu shot is needed to help protect against the newly circulating virus each season.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
All children 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine yearly. It is especially important for the following groups to receive their annual flu vaccine:
Children ages 6 months to 5 years old (including infants born pre-term)
Children any age over 6 months old with chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of complications
All contacts and caregivers of children under 5 years old and those with high-risk conditions
Those who are pregnant, considering pregnancy, have recently delivered, or are breastfeeding during the flu season—This is to protect both the parent and the baby since babies under 6 months old are unable to receive the flu vaccine
All healthcare workers
What Types of Flu Vaccines Are Available for Children?
There are two types of influenza vaccines available for children: Flu shots and the nasal spray vaccine (also known as live attenuated influenza vaccine, or LAIV).
Flu shots—Given as an injection with a needle; Approved for children 6 months old and older
Nasal spray vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine, or LAIV)—Given as a nasal spray; Approved for people 2 through 49 years old; Not recommended for people who are pregnant or those with certain underlying medical conditions (such as asthma)
Both types of vaccines protect against the current circulating influenza viruses. The AAP and CDC do not recommend one type of vaccine over the other: Any licensed influenza vaccine available that is appropriate for a child’s age and general health condition may be given with no preference.
When Should My Child Get the Flu Vaccine?
Since the flu season can start as early as the fall, the AAP and CDC recommend most people get the flu vaccine in September or October for the best protection through the season. Since it takes about two weeks for the body to develop the antibodies that fight against influenza viruses, it is best your child gets vaccinated before influenza starts spreading in your community.
Children 6 months to 8 years old should receive two doses of the flu vaccine if this is the first time they are being vaccinated, if they have only received one dose of flu vaccine previously, or if their flu vacation history is unknown. Your child should receive two doses even if they are 8 years old at the time of the first vaccine and will turn 9 years old before the second dose. For these children who require two doses, it is recommended that they receive the first dose as soon as the vaccine is available, even if that is in July or August. That is because the second dose must be given at least 4 weeks after the first. This allows time for both doses to be given and adequate protection to be reached in time for peak flu season.
While earlier vaccination is recommended, getting vaccinated later in the season can still offer protection as long as influenza viruses are still spreading.
Can My Child Receive the Flu Vaccine if They Are Sick?
If your child has a minor illness, such as the common cold, they can still receive their influenza vaccine. For moderate or severe illness, such as COVID-19, your child should wait to receive the flu vaccine until they have recovered. Remember, the nasal spray vaccine may be difficult to give to a child with symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose.
Where Should My Child Go to Get Their Flu Vaccine?
Your child’s pediatrician’s office may offer flu shot clinics (many include both curbside and drive-through options). Since your pediatrician has your child’s health information, it is easy for your child’s vaccination record to remain up to date with their flu vaccine. If your child receives a flu shot elsewhere, be sure to share this with your pediatrician so that it may be added to your child’s health record.
What Are the Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine has few side effects, and they are rare. Side effects such as fever or muscle aches typically occur in those who never had influenza or the influenza vaccine before. The most common side effects from the flu shot include fever and redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site. These symptoms do NOT mean you have the flu: The virus in the flu shot is “inactivated” and does not cause infection or respiratory symptoms such as congestion and cough (which are common with the flu).
The most common side effects from the nasal spray vaccine include runny nose, congestion, and sore throat. The nasal spray vaccine contains live weakened influenza viruses which reproduce in the nose—but not the lungs—and therefore may cause these side effects.
Find more information on possible risks and side effects of the flu vaccine in children here.
Can My Child Receive the Flu Vaccine if They Have an Egg Allergy?
Yes. The AAP and CDC agree that children with an egg allergy can receive the flu vaccine. While most versions of the flu vaccine are made in eggs, the amount of egg proteins contained in the vaccine are too small to cause a severe allergic response. Therefore, a child with a known egg allergy can receive the flu vaccine and does not require any additional precautions (except those recommended for all vaccines).
A child who has had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine previously should be seen by an allergist to help determine if the child should receive their annual flu vaccination.
Can Children Receive the Flu Vaccine at the Same Time as Other Vaccinations?
Yes. Since the flu can spread at the same time as other common viruses, such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it may make sense to give these vaccinations at the same time. Talk to your child’s pediatrician to help determine if your child can get their flu vaccine along with other recommended vaccinations.
When Should I Discuss Possibly Avoiding the Flu Vaccine with My Child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
You should talk to your child’s pediatrician about whether your child should receive the flu vaccine if your child has ever had:
Any allergic reaction to a flu vaccine previously
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
Key Points to Remember
The flu is a highly contagious viral illness that affects the respiratory system and can cause serious, potentially life-threatening complications. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to both prevent and improve outcomes of the flu in your child and is recommended for all children 6 months old and older. While some side effects may occur, they are usually mild and infrequent. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider prior to receiving the flu vaccine if they have any history of a severe allergic reaction, any allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine, or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Annual flu vaccination is important for children to help protect themselves and other high-risk people around them. Help your child stay safe and healthy by getting their yearly flu shot!
