What’s New with the Flu Vaccine

As flu season approaches, it’s important to stay informed about the flu vaccine and its benefits for children. Here are some frequently asked questions answered by a pediatrician:

– Who should receive the flu vaccine?
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all children ages 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine.

– Why is it important to vaccinate children against the flu?
While most kids will experience mild to moderate symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, and runny nose, some children can die from influenza. Last flu season, 138 children lost their lives to the flu, with half of them having no underlying medical problems. Vaccinating children not only protects them but also safeguards vulnerable family members and friends with medical conditions from serious complications related to the flu.

– I got vaccinated last year but still got the flu, why bother getting vaccinated this year? OR I rarely get sick, do I need a flu shot?
The flu vaccine is not 100% effective as there are different strains of flu and some may not be covered by the vaccine. However, it’s akin to wearing a seat belt in a car. You don’t stop using it just because you haven’t been in an accident before. You never know when you might need it. Similarly, even if you have had the flu after getting vaccinated, it’s still advisable to take every reasonable measure to protect your children, including getting an annual flu vaccine.

– Can my child get the nasal spray if they hate shots?
Our office is not offering the FluMist nasal spray this year due to concerns about its effectiveness in the past. Perhaps it will be available again next year.

– How many doses of flu vaccine does my child need?
If your child did not receive the vaccine last year and is under 9 years old, they should receive 2 doses, one month apart. If they have received at least 2 doses of flu vaccine in the past, they only need one dose.

– What strains of flu does this year’s vaccine protect against, including H1N1?
This year’s vaccine protects against 2 different strains of Influenza A and 2 different strains of Influenza B, including the H1N1 strain that is still circulating.

– Why is a new flu shot needed every year?
Antibodies that protect against the flu decline over time after receiving the vaccine. Researchers are working on developing a new type of flu vaccine that could provide protection for multiple years, with the hope of making annual flu shots a thing of the past.

– My child has an egg allergy, can they still get the flu shot?
If your child can eat cooked eggs, has only experienced hives after eating eggs, or has had difficulty breathing after eating eggs but with no recurrent vomiting, they can still receive the flu shot. However, it should be done under medical supervision. Please contact our office to discuss the best approach.

In conclusion, getting a flu vaccine is crucial for protecting children and families from the potentially serious complications of influenza. Despite the vaccine not being perfect and some people still getting the flu even after vaccination, it is comparable to wearing a seat belt in a car – it may not prevent all harm, but it is a reasonable and important measure to take.

The flu vaccine is recommended by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics for all kids ages 6 months and older, and it not only safeguards children but also protects vulnerable individuals in the community, such as grandparents and friends with underlying medical conditions. While there may be concerns or questions about the vaccine, consulting with a pediatrician is recommended, especially for children with allergies or other medical considerations. Researchers are also working on developing more effective flu vaccines in the future. By prioritizing annual flu vaccinations, we can take proactive steps towards preventing the spread of influenza and keeping our children and communities healthy.