Flu vaccine facts

Why should children get the flu vaccine?
Influenza is a respiratory illness that is spread through contact with someone who has it. Influenza causes hospitalization for more than 20,000 children each year in the U.S. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from influenza.

Who should get the vaccine?
We strongly recommend children 6 months or older receive the vaccine every year. Family members of children younger than 6 months old also should get the vaccine.

Who should not get the vaccine?
Anyone who is allergic to eggs should not get the vaccine.

Who has highest priority to receive the vaccine?
Everyone should get the vaccine except if younger than 6 months or allergic to eggs. However, children who are between 6 months and 4 years old or have the following health conditions are most at-risk and need to receive the vaccine every year:

• Asthma or other lung problems.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Immune suppression.
• Long-term aspirin therapy.
• Sickle cell anemia.
• Any condition that can compromise respiratory function.

Why do we need to get vaccinated against the flu every year?
Flu viruses change every year, which means a vaccine made last year may not protect against new viruses this year. The influenza vaccine is adjusted every year to include updated viruses.

What are the types of flu vaccines?
There are two types of vaccines that protect against the flu. The flu shot is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The nasal-spray vaccine is given by a nose spray.

What is the difference between the two vaccines?
The flu shot is inactive, meaning that it contains a killed flu virus. The flu shot is approved for people 6 months or older, including those with chronic medical conditions.

The FluMist® nasal-spray vaccine contains weakened live viruses. The nasal spray is approved for people 2 to 49 years old, excluding those with respiratory, pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions, who are pregnant or who have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Do you recommend one type of vaccine versus another?
The most important thing is to get the flu vaccine every year. However, the FluMist nasal spray may offer better protection if the flu strain in your community differs from the flu shot.

When is the best time for my children to receive the vaccine?
The best time to get vaccinated is between August and November. Children 6 months to 9 years old will need two doses of the vaccine in the first year they are vaccinated.

My child has an upcoming appointment for a well visit. Can my child get the vaccine at that time or do I need a separate appointment?
You do not need a separate appointment. Flu vaccines will be given at regular doctor appointments throughout the vaccine season. Getting the vaccine is important enough to schedule a separate visit if your child does not have a well visit scheduled in the near future.

What do I do if my child is sick and needs to see the doctor on the day of his or her flu appointment?
Please call our office prior to the flu appointment to change the appointment to a doctor appointment.

If you have questions about whether your child should be vaccinated, please call us at (262) 781-3065.