Flu Vaccine for Kids: Are they really necessary?

Is the flu vaccine still important for children? The answer is yes. The flu is a viral infection that occurs in the flu season, causing cold-like symptoms that persist for weeks or even months. Its symptoms occur suddenly and can lead to complications. Every year, new strains of the flu virus surface, and the best way to prevent it is to get vaccinated with the flu vaccine. Learn everything you need to know about annual influenza protection strategies for children in this article. Reach out to us on  https://doralhw.org/contact-us/ for a consultation with the best infectious disease doctors in Brooklyn, New York. 

Why Is the Flu Vaccine Recommended? 

The flu vaccine is recommended to protect your child from the flu infection because it is the single most effective way. Flu infection causes similar symptoms to a cold but typically lasts for a week or more. It is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. The pediatric flu vaccine is updated every year to ensure that the latest strains of the flu virus don’t infect your children.  

But to protect babies under 6 months, it is necessary for parents or older children, or other caregivers in the household, to be vaccinated. This is crucial for infants, the elderly, or people with health conditions like asthma who are at risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Thousands of people die from the flu every year, and to prevent it, you need to get vaccinated.  

While it is not 100% effective in protecting you from getting infected, it significantly lowers the risk of catching the flu and spreading it to others. The symptoms are not severe, and you get better in a few days, lowering the risk of hospitalization.  

That’s the reason the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other medical professionals recommend that children over 6 months should need to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated early in the flu season is ideal because your body takes around 2 weeks to develop immunity in your body to protect against the infection. 

Are babies and young children at higher risk? 

Yes, babies and young children are at higher risk of flu infection because flu infection is more severe than the common cold for children and spreads during the flu season. Each year, millions of children get sick from seasonal flu, and thousands of children need to be hospitalized, and some of them even die from it. Children younger than 5 years old need medical care for the flu. They can develop any of the following complications: 

• Pneumonia: a severe illness where the lungs get inflamed from the infection.  

• Dehydration: When the body loses too much water and salts, often because fluid losses are higher than the fluid intake.  

• Worsening of chronic medical problems like heart disease or asthma.  

• Brain dysfunction, like encephalopathy.  

• Sinus problems and ear infections.  

• In rare cases, flu complications can lead to death.  

Flu season severity varies every year, and children are always at risk. Death from the flu is rare, but the cases of flu-related hospitalization among children younger than 5 years old still range from 6000 to 25000 annually in the United States. That’s the reason getting the flu vaccine on time is necessary to prevent hospitalization and complications. 

Do breastfed babies need a flu shot? 

Yes, breastfed babies who are 6 months old or above need a flu shot to protect them from flu infection. 

Types of flu vaccines for children 

According to CDC recommendations, two types of flu vaccines are used for children based on their age. 

• Flu shots: An injection is used to deliver the vaccine for children 6 months or older.  

• Nasal spray: It is also known as live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV, where the vaccine is delivered from a mist that is sprayed into the nostrils. It is approved for children who are 2 years or older. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women or those who have certain underlying medical conditions. 

Caring for Your Child After the Flu Vaccine 

Some children faint after getting a shot, especially teens. So, help them to sit or lie down for at least 15 minutes after a shot to prevent this. If your child experiences any side effects, you should talk to your doctor about whether to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen and find the right dose. If the injection site has soreness, you can use a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad to ease it. 

How to protect your child from the Flu? 

Besides the flu vaccine, several tips can help you protect your children from flu infection during flu season.  

1. Handwashing: Teach your child how to wash their hands properly and frequently, especially after sneezing, coughing, or playing with shared toys. Hand hygiene is a very useful prevention tactic to lower the risk of transferring germs to the nose or mouth.  
2. Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Encourage children to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and then dispose of the tissue immediately. In case a tissue is not available, you can use a handkerchief or elbow to cover with your elbow as an alternative, and then when you reach home, wash them immediately to prevent germs from spreading. 
3. Keep Your Home Clean: Flu viruses can thrive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. So, make sure you keep the high-touch areas clean, such as doorknobs, countertops, toys, and electronics, with disinfectant. Regular cleaning of these areas is a simple and effective way to add an extra layer of protection.  
4. Healthy Diet and Hydration: Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet to support their immune system. Encourage your child to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Hydration is also important to help the body recover quickly from infections.  
5. Rest and Sleep: Children need a proper amount of rest to keep their immune system healthy. Make sure your child gets enough sleep every night, as sleep deprivation lowers the body’s defenses against illness.  

When to call the pediatrician about your baby’s flu symptoms 

If your child is not vaccinated and experiences any of the following symptoms suddenly, you should call the pediatrician: 

• High fever 

• Chills 

• Body aches 

• Fatigue 

• Sore throat 

• Cough  

• Runny nose 

In serious cases, your children may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which requires immediate medical attention. 

Flu vaccines for kids are a crucial part of their routine vaccine schedule. It helps to protect children from the flu infection, which is constantly changing every year. This is the most effective way to protect your children during flu season. Make sure your children get vaccinated on time and follow the above-mentioned tips to ensure they stay protected from flu infection. Need help getting your child’s flu vaccine? Book your appointment now, call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get treated! Learn more about infectious diseases at www.doralhw.org.   and stay up to date on current health topics and new research, on recent infectious diseases like COVID-19. If you need help, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.