The Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)

The influenza vaccine protects against the flu, a common illness that typically appears each year in the colder months. Children commonly need medical care because of the flu, especially those younger than 5 years old. Complications from flu in children can include:

  • Pneumonia: an illness where the lungs get infected and inflamed.
  • Dehydration: when a child's body loses too much water and salts, often because fluid losses are greater than fluid intake.
  • Worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma.
  • Brain dysfunction such as encephalopathy.
  • Sinus problems and ear infections.
  • Death: the flu causes thousands of deaths in the United States every year.

The vaccines prevent up to 7 million illnesses each year. And if you do get the flu, the vaccine helps prevent serious illness and hospitalization.

The flu vaccine is different from most vaccines because it's updated each year. There are many different flu viruses (called strains). Each year, scientists predict which flu strains are most likely to spread, and that year's vaccine is designed to protect against those.

Flu vaccines were first introduced in the 1940s.

Recommended Doses for Children and Teenagers

Nearly everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions.

The best time to get a flu vaccine is usually in late summer or early fall, before flu season.

Side Effects

The flu vaccine, like all vaccines, can cause side effects. Most of them are mild and temporary.

If side effects happen from the flu vaccine, they most often include soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine is given, or fever, muscle aches or headache.

Egg allergies: Even though many influenza vaccines are made in a process that involves eggs, it is safe for people with an egg allergy to get a flu vaccine. Egg allergy is not a contraindication or precaution to the use of any influenza vaccine. Talk to your child's doctor if you have any concerns about the flu vaccine and egg allergies.

Trustworthy Resources for More Information

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.

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