Kids and the flu shot: What parents need to know

The time for flu shots has arrived. Many parents have questions about whether or not their child needs a shot, which vaccine to get and where to get it. Primary care providers at Boston Children’s Hospital have answers to questions about the flu shot and can help make it easier for parents to get their children vaccinated. Does my child need a flu shot? Yes. The American Academy of Pediatric and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommend annual flu vaccine for children and teens ages 6 months and older. Young children are at high risk for complications of flu, including pneumonia. My child is afraid of shots. Can she get the nasal spray? The nasal spray vaccine has not been effective for the last three flu seasons and is not recommended. Can my child get the flu from the vaccine? No. Some people experience mild symptoms, such as nausea, sleepiness, headaches, muscle aches and chills. The most common side effects are pain and tenderness at the injection site. About 10 to 25 percent of children younger than age 2 experience a mild fever within 24 hours of the flu shot. Does the flu shot really protect my child? Flu shots are about 60 percent effective. Children who are vaccinated and get the flu usually get a mild form of flu. I heard there are two forms of the flu vaccine. Is one better? The flu vaccine is available as a trivalent vaccine and a quadrivalent vaccine. Both protect against the same three strains of the flu virus, and the quadrivalent co...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Health & Wellness flu primary care Source Type: news