The Flu Shot For Kids

Getting a flu shot is an annual tradition in my home. The kids grumble and fret, but they know they have to go. They also know that they'll get a donut afterward as compensation for their trials and tribulations. I don't necessarily encourage bribery in kids, but I really like donuts myself, so this is a compromise I'm willing to make—for health. 

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Everyone! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the annual flu vaccine. This includes children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. The shot is safe and effective and the best way to reduce the risk of serious illness from flu for your family members. 

Flu can be dangerous in children, especially those under 5 years of age or those with other medical conditions like heart conditions, asthma, or obesity. Flu activity is expected to be elevated this year as the world continues to stabilize post-pandemic. Last year, there was a significant increase in illness, death, and hospitalization as compared to the prior 2 years. 

Who Should Not Get The Vaccine

Only those with a history of severe allergic reaction to a prior flu vaccine or component of the flu vaccine. Children under age 2, pregnant individuals, and those with certain underlying medical conditions or taking specific medication should not receive the live attenuated influenza vaccine as a nasal spray option. I recommend the more common intramuscular injection, which is inactivated and safe for all ages and groups. 

No shots contain any significant amounts of preservatives that pose a danger to your child's health. Only those with a history of significant allergies need to be concerned, and they should talk to their child's allergist about the best options. 

This Year's Vaccine

All flu vaccines will be trivalent for the 2024-2025 flu season, protecting against three different flu viruses. This change ensures the vaccine targets the most relevant strains circulating this year. The shot's effectiveness varies yearly, but it is still the best option for protection. 

Benefits of Vaccination

Getting your child vaccinated against the flu offers several significant benefits:

1. Prevents illness: your child is less likely to get the flu when they are vaccinated
2. Reduces severity: if your child does get the flu, the shot reduces illness severity
3. Reduces the risk of death and hospitalization from flu
4. Protects others, especially elderly family members, pregnant moms, and babies under 6 months of age
5. Keeps kids in school and activities

When to Vaccinate

September and October are ideal times for most people to get the flu shot. This timing ensures protection throughout the entire flu season. If your child has an appointment in the fall, go ahead and get the shot if it's offered. It's hard to remember to come back! 

It's a good idea to try to get flu shots for your family at least a couple of weeks before the holidays so that you can feel great about participating in all the fun things that the holiday season and winter break have to offer and hopefully remain illness-free! 

Dosing for Children

• Children 6 months to 8 years may need two doses if it's their first time getting the flu vaccine or if they've only had one dose previously. This helps boost immunity for the first vaccination season. 
• The dose volume varies by age and vaccine brand. Your healthcare provider will ensure the correct dose.

Safety and Effectiveness

The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It's formulated each year to match circulating virus strains. While it can't guarantee your child won't get the flu, it significantly reduces the risk and severity of illness. Talk to your pediatrician or family doctor about getting your child vaccinated this flu season.

Conclusion

Getting the flu is rough at best and dangerous at worst. It's disruptive to school, work, and home life. We've had it in our house a few times over the past few years, and while it was miserable, vaccination helped keep my kids safe and the adults functional and able to care for everyone. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is protected is invaluable. If I could get two flu shots, I would! 

Stay well! 

The following references were used to compile this information:

AAP Influenza (Flu) Prevention Recommendations for 2024-25. (2024, August 26). HealthyChildren.Org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/AAP-influenza-flu-prevention-recommendations-for-2024-25.aspx

CDC. (2024, October 3). Who Needs a Flu Vaccine. Influenza (Flu). https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html

Committee on Infectious Diseases. (2024). Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2024–2025: Technical Report. Pediatrics, 154(4), e2024068508. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-068508

This article has been reviewed by Andrea Morrissey, PharmD, Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist, and Chief Content Officer of Kids Med Guide. The content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical guidance, and call 911 in an emergency.

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