The flu affects 90 million children younger than 5 annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone get flu vaccines. Here is some information about children and flu shots.
Why does the CDC encourage parents to vaccinate children?
Kids are particularly vulnerable to more invasive influenza infections. Babies and children in day care, preschool and school environments are susceptible to viral infections. School environments are breeding grounds for bacteria. Children often bring illness home and infect younger children and parents.
Are there flu vaccine concerns parents should be aware of?
The flu vaccine contains egg. If a child has a severe egg allergy, with symptoms like anaplylaxis, the National Vaccine Information Center cautions parents against vaccinating children. The vaccine comes in two forms: nasal spray and injection.
What if my child doesn't feel well?
Doctors debate whether children who show symptoms of illness should be vaccinated. Physicians and flu shot clinics might not test for the illness before giving the vaccine. The Mayo Clinic says parents should consult with their physician if the child has a fever, colored nasal discharge, headache or body ache, cough or other viral symptoms.
Will the flu vaccine protect children from getting sick?
Young adults and older children respond best to vaccines. Young children respond less well, says the CDC. The shot is about 60 percent effective. The yearly vaccine only guards against three forms of influenza.
Are the vaccines mandatory?
Schools and health care providers might strongly encourage them, but vaccines are a matter of parental choice. Schools may require vaccine waiver forms.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about parenting from 23 years raising four children and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and home-school.
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