Even in our \u201cpost-pandemic world,\u201d it\u2019s still important to get a flu shot.<\/p>\n
Childhood vaccines are something we encourage at all our pediatric office visits, including getting the yearly influenza (flu) shot each fall or winter.<\/p>\n
But some who used to get the annual flu vaccine for their kids became hesitant about the annual flu vaccine after the COVID-19 pandemic. I\u2019ve heard reasons like, \u201cOur whole family got COVID-19 and we were fine, so we should be with the flu too.\u201d I let them know what the reality is: the flu vaccine is still very important and potentially lifesaving for themselves and their children.<\/p>\n
Read on to learn 4 important reasons to get your kids vaccinated against the flu this year.<\/p>\n
COVID-19 and influenza (flu) are very different illnesses, especially when it comes to young children. Even if your family chooses not to get the COVID-19 vaccine series (which is still recommended for anyone over 6 months of age), your pediatrician will strongly encourage the flu vaccine<\/a>, especially if your child is under age 2.<\/p>\n Most respiratory viruses (including influenza and RSV) hit young kids the hardest. While COVID-19 can make anyone very sick, it\u2019s less common for young, healthy kids to have severe respiratory symptoms from it.<\/p>\n On the other hand, even healthy babies and children can become very ill with influenza, leading to hospitalization and serious complications. This is devastating, but fortunately we can help prevent it with the flu vaccine. A child with underlying medical conditions, including asthma, is also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19<\/a>, flu, RSV<\/a>, and other respiratory viral illnesses. It\u2019s best to protect your child with both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines!<\/p>\n Parents often ask if I vaccinate my own family. Yes, yes<\/em>, and YES! I encourage every patient, just like my family members, to get the annual flu vaccine early in the fall.<\/p>\n I like to model getting the flu vaccine for my own kids. When we go to a flu shot clinic as a family, it shows them how important the vaccine is for everyone\u2019s health. I talk openly about the vaccine with my kids. Yes, it will be a quick poke, yes, the arm may be sore for a bit, and yes, they can have some acetaminophen or ibuprofen if they have mild symptoms of tiredness, low-grade fever, or soreness after the vaccine. We often celebrate with a treat afterward!<\/p>\n The circulating strains of the influenza virus change from year to year. The seasonal flu vaccines are made by \u201cpredicting\u201d the strains of flu that will hit the U.S. over the next fall and winter. This is done by watching what strains are affecting the southern hemisphere during our spring and summer. But it\u2019s hard to know for sure; we can only make predictions. This is why flu vaccines aren\u2019t always a \u201cperfect match\u201d with the circulating strains.<\/p>\n The good news is that even if you\u2019re exposed to a flu strain that\u2019s not in the vaccine you got, your body will still be more effective in fighting off flu symptoms. You\u2019ll recover more quickly than someone who didn\u2019t receive the flu vaccine and be less likely to need hospitalization.\u00a0This also means fewer days of missed school and work.<\/p>\n Let me say that again: the flu vaccine CANNOT GIVE YOU THE FLU. Side effects from any vaccine can happen as your immune system revs up to recognize the virus and build antibodies to it. That way if you meet the real flu virus in the future, it can fight it off. Fatigue, muscle soreness (especially at the site of the vaccine), and low-grade fevers can be side effects from the flu vaccine, like many other vaccines. However, it doesn\u2019t cause cough, cold, or other serious illness.<\/p>\n The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is different\u2014this is called a live attenuated vaccine. Because a small amount of weakened flu virus is in the nasal spray flu vaccine, it can lead to symptoms including nasal congestion as a side effect. FluMist shouldn\u2019t be given to kids under 2, kids with respiratory conditions like asthma, or anyone with a weakened immune system.<\/p>\n Bottom line\u2014all kids, whether they\u2019re healthy or have underlying medical conditions, should get the flu vaccine this year. (And I highly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine too!)<\/a><\/p>\n My Doctor Online2. <\/strong>Pediatricians get their kids the flu vaccine every year.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. <\/strong>The flu vaccine is helpful even when it’s not a \u201cperfect match\u201d.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. The flu vaccine does NOT give you the flu!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Resources For Parents<\/h3>\n
\n<\/strong>Cold and Flu – Where To Find Flu Vaccines<\/a><\/p>\n