The flu vaccine helps your child prevent the flu, which is worse than the cold. Flu tends to make a person sick for a longer period. It’s important that apart from kids parents also take these shots to protect their infant from other health risks.
Babies younger than 6 months cannot take this vaccination. All kids from 6 months old to 8 years old should get a flu shot. Flu vaccination also prevents any flu-associated hospitalization for children. It also protects women during and after pregnancy.
Reasons your child should get a flu shot
• Reduces the chances of getting flu and hence reduces the chances of hospitalization of your child.
• It’s life saving for children, as sometimes it can be deadly.
• It also reduces the risk of any serious flu complications or chronic conditions especially for children under the age of 5 years.
• It helps prevent flu from spreading to other family members.
• As it prevents your child from getting sick it keeps your child from missing school and you from work.
It has been suggested that your child should get the flu vaccine once they are 6 months old every year until they are 8 years old. They should be vaccinated before the flu seasons start and everyone in the community starts getting affected by it.
Some children might have to take two doses as well. If your child is younger than nine years and is getting the shot for the first time then he might require two shots with a gap of one month in between.
Depending on the age of your child you can decide between the flu shot and the nasal spray flu vaccine:
Flu shots: Flu shots can be given to children who are 6 months and older.
Nasal spray flu vaccine: Nasal spray can be given to children who are 2 years older and above.
It’s advised that before getting your child a flu shot you consult your paediatrician. Nasal congestion or blockage might affect the nasal spray flu vaccine. Your child might have some other medical conditions or might be allergic to the medicine.
In case your child got a severe reaction from the previous vaccine, talk to your child’s doctor before giving Vaccine or considering any other option.
Flu shot side-effects
It’s not a surprise any longer that there might be side effects to the flu shot especially for children who may be getting their shots for the first time. However, these side effects are known to be mild in nature and don’t last for more than a day or two.
Some of the common flu shot side effects are:
• Sore or pain in the area where the shot has been given
• Signs of weakness
• Mild fever
• Muscle aches
• Body Pain
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
The above-mentioned side effects are quite common and they last only for a few days. But in case you find something wrong, don’t hesitate to contact your paediatrician immediately. Without consulting your doctor do not give your child any kind of medication to relieve the pain. It might be harmful to him.
Nasal spray flu shot vaccinations
Two years old children and above can take a nasal spray flu vaccine. It’s much faster and easier to give.
Some of the common side effects of nasal spray are:
• Running nose
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Mild fever
• Vomiting
• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Muscle ache
• Headache
It’s very rare that children might develop allergic reactions from the vaccination but in case it happens, consult your doctor before taking any decision. It is important to differentiate between side effects and just a mere coincidence.
Some times it might just be a coincidence that your child has got any of the above. Before jumping onto any conclusions be absolutely sure and in case of any doubts consult your doctor.
Summary:
• The flu vaccine helps your child prevent the flu, which is worse than the cold. It tends to make a person sick for a longer period.
• It has been suggested that your child should get the flu vaccine once they are 6 months old every year until they are 8 years old. They should be vaccinated before the flu seasons start and everyone in the community starts getting affected by it.
• It’s not a surprise any longer that there might be side effects to the flu shot especially for children who may be getting their shots for the first time.
• However, these side effects are known to be mild in nature and don’t last for more than a day or two.
• It is important to differentiate between side effects and just a mere coincidence, as due to this some parents might refrain from giving their children any sort of vaccinations.
