{"id":267,"date":"2013-10-07T09:00:23","date_gmt":"2013-10-07T14:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.osfsaintanthony.org\/blog\/?p=267"},"modified":"2025-11-14T15:39:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T21:39:59","slug":"does-my-child-need-the-flu-shot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/does-my-child-need-the-flu-shot\/","title":{"rendered":"Childhood Flu Shots: What Parents Should Know About Flu Shots for Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a parent, it\u2019s normal to have questions, and even a few worries, about vaccines. The childhood flu vaccine is one of the best ways to keep your little one healthy during flu season, but figuring out when and why to get it can feel like a lot.<\/p>\n

Brian Curtis, MD<\/a>,\u00a0vice president, chief medical officer for OSF Medical Group, helps break down everything you need to know, from the pros and cons of the flu shot for kids to whether the flu shot is safe for infants.<\/p>\n

Why does the childhood flu vaccine matter?<\/h2>\n

The flu can be far more dangerous for children than a common cold, especially for those under 5 or with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Each year, thousands of children are hospitalized with the flu. Vaccination greatly reduces that risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe flu isn\u2019t just a bad cold,\u201d said Dr. Curtis. \u201cIt\u2019s a serious illness that can land even healthy kids in the hospital. The vaccine helps protect your child and also those around them, like grandparents and younger siblings.\u201d<\/p>\n

When can kids get a flu shot?<\/h2>\n
\nProtect your child from the fluSchedule your child\u2019s flu shot<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that all children 6 months and older receive a flu shot<\/a> each year. That means even babies can start building protection early.<\/p>\n

If your child is under 9 years old and receiving the flu shot for the first time, they\u2019ll need two doses, given at least four weeks apart, to build full protection.<\/p>\n

After their first flu shot series, your child will just need one flu shot each year in the fall to stay protected. The best time to get the flu shot is early in the season, so September or October.<\/p>\n

\u201cFlu viruses change every year, so it\u2019s a good idea to make the flu shot part of your annual fall routine,\u201d Dr. Curtis explained. \u201cIt\u2019s a simple step that goes a long way in keeping your child healthy all season.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flu Shot for Kids: Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n

Understanding the pros and cons of the flu shot for kids can help you make an informed, confident decision about whether to get the flu shot for your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/td>\nCons<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Strong protection against serious illness:<\/strong> The flu shot helps prevent severe complications like pneumonia, ear infections and hospitalizations that can follow the flu, especially in children under 5.<\/td>\nMild, short-term side effects:<\/strong> Some children may have a sore arm, slight fever or fatigue for a day or two after the shot. These are normal signs the immune system is responding.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Helps protect your whole family:<\/strong> When kids are vaccinated, they\u2019re less likely to spread the flu to vulnerable loved ones, including infants too young to be vaccinated and older adults.<\/td>\nYearly strain changes:<\/strong> Because the flu virus evolves, the vaccine\u2019s effectiveness can vary from year to year. Even so, the flu vaccine still offers valuable protection against severe illness.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prevents missed school and work:<\/strong> Fewer sick days for kids means fewer disruptions for families.<\/p>\n

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\u201cEven in years when the flu vaccine isn\u2019t a perfect match, it still makes a big difference,\u201d said Dr. Curtis. \u201cKids who get vaccinated tend to have milder symptoms and recover faster if they do catch the flu.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flu Shot Safety for Babies and Toddlers<\/h2>\n

The flu shot for babies is both safe and recommended by pediatric experts, including the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics.<\/p>\n

The flu vaccine used for babies and young children is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it does not contain live flu virus and cannot give your child the flu. Instead, it works by helping your baby\u2019s immune system recognize and fight the virus if they are exposed later.<\/p>\n

\u201cBabies are at higher risk for flu-related complications like pneumonia or dehydration,\u201d said Dr. Curtis. \u201cThe flu shot is the best way to keep infants healthy,\u201d<\/p>\n

Common Flu Shot Side Effects for Babies and Kids<\/h2>\n

Most children experience very little reaction after getting the childhood flu vaccine, but some mild side effects<\/a> in babies and toddlers are normal. <\/em>These include soreness at the injection site, mild fever and fussiness that may last for a day or two. These are signs that your child\u2019s immune system is responding and building protection.<\/p>\n

\u201cMild side effects are actually a good thing because they show your child\u2019s body is learning how to fight the virus,\u201d Dr. Curtis said. \u201cIf you\u2019re ever unsure, your pediatrician can help you know what\u2019s normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flu Shot Options for Kids<\/h2>\n

Depending on age and health history, your child may be eligible for either a flu shot or a nasal spray vaccine:<\/p>\n