Many people think of the flu as “just a bad cold,” but influenza can be a serious illness—even in children and teens who are otherwise healthy. Each year, flu sends thousands of children to the hospital and can lead to serious complications.
Children also play an important role in spreading influenza. Because kids spend time together at school, activities, and childcare, they can easily spread the virus to siblings, parents, grandparents, and others in the community.
The good news? There is a vaccine that can help protect children from influenza and reduce the risk of serious illness.
Why Does My Child Need a Flu Vaccine Every Year?
Influenza viruses change over time, which is why the flu vaccine is updated each year. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every year.
Getting vaccinated before flu season is in full swing gives your child’s immune system time to prepare. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection.
The flu vaccine does not just help prevent illness—it can also lower the chance of severe complications if your child does get sick. Flu can sometimes lead to problems such as:
- Pneumonia
- Hospitalization
- Brain swelling (rare)
- Febrile or non-febrile seizures
Children younger than age 5 and children with certain medical conditions, including asthma or diabetes, may be at higher risk for serious flu complications.
What Types of Flu Vaccines Are Available?
There are two main types of flu vaccines available for children:
- Flu shot: A vaccine given by injection.
- Nasal spray vaccine: A vaccine given as a spray into the nose.
Both types protect against the influenza viruses expected to circulate during the current flu season. This year’s vaccines protect against three influenza viruses: two influenza A viruses and one influenza B virus.
Should My Child Get a Flu Shot or Nasal Spray?
The best flu vaccine is the one your child is eligible to receive and can get on time.
The AAP recommends that children receive any licensed flu vaccine that is appropriate for their age and health status. There is no need to delay vaccination while waiting for a specific brand, formulation, or a thimerosal-free vaccine.
If you have questions about which option is right for your child, your pediatrician can help you decide.
Can My Child Get the Flu Vaccine With Other Vaccines?
Yes. The flu vaccine can be given during the same visit as other recommended immunizations, including routine childhood vaccines and the RSV immunization when appropriate.
Because multiple respiratory viruses—including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV—can circulate during the same season, staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps provide the best protection.
If your child recently had COVID-19, they can receive the flu vaccine after they have recovered. If your child has nasal congestion or a runny nose, talk with your pediatrician about whether the nasal spray vaccine is the best option.
What If My Child Has Allergies?
If your child has had a serious allergic reaction after a previous flu vaccine, talk with their healthcare provider or an allergist before getting another flu vaccine.
For children with an egg allergy, the flu vaccine can still be given. No additional precautions are needed beyond the usual recommendations for all vaccines.
Where Should My Child Get a Flu Vaccine?
Many pediatric offices offer flu vaccine clinics, including convenient options such as drive-through or curbside clinics.
Getting your child’s flu vaccine at their pediatrician’s office has an added benefit: the vaccination can be easily added to their medical record, helping keep their health information complete and up to date.
If your child receives a flu vaccine somewhere else, remember to share that information with their pediatrician so it can be added to their records.
Does My Child Need More Than One Flu Vaccine Dose?
Some children need two doses of the flu vaccine during their first vaccination season.
Children ages 6 months through 8 years may need two doses if:
- This is their first time receiving a flu vaccine, or
- They have only received one flu vaccine dose before July 1 of that year
The two doses must be given at least four weeks apart. Your pediatrician can help determine whether your child needs one dose or two.
Protect Your Child and Your Community
Most children who get the flu are sick for several days, but some become much more seriously ill. Vaccination is the best way to help protect your child from influenza and reduce the risk of severe complications.
The flu vaccine isn’t perfect, and vaccinated children can still sometimes get the flu. However, vaccination helps the immune system respond more quickly and can make illness less severe.
Unlike many respiratory viruses, we have a tool that can help prevent serious flu illness: the flu vaccine.
Don’t wait for flu season to peak. Talk with your pediatrician about getting your child protected today.