It is important for children to get a flu shot because the flu and the COVID-19 virus cause common symptoms, including fever, cold and cough. Doctors suggest flu vaccination can reduce symptoms that may be confused with COVID-19 and reduce stress on parents by protecting children from the flu and reducing the severity of flu illness could. It is essential to protect children from infection in the developing years as it can impact on their growth and development.
The best way to prevent flu in children is through the flu vaccine, which is especially effective during the change of seasons and is absolutely essential since the monsoons arrive. According to WHO, CDC, AAP and IAP recommendations, any baby over 6 months of age is eligible for a flu shot and should be given 2 doses with an interval of one month if you are going for the first time. It is recommended by the doctor to maintain 4 weeks between the two vaccines so that the baby has enough time to develop antibodies and build up immunity against many types of viral infections.
Thereafter the flu shot (single shot) can be given every year. Some parents worry about the side effects of the flu shot, which is very rare. A child may have mild symptoms of fever or mild pain at the injection site, preferably on the side of the arm, which will subside in a day or two.
Flu vaccines are updated every season according to the variations observed in the virus (antigen drift and antigen shift). Flu shots are available for all age groups above 6 years, be it pre-schoolers, school going children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, lactating mothers, old age groups.
The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection. This can reduce the risk of flu infection and prevent children from being hospitalized. Any child with any type of allergy can get a flu shot.
Some Common Side Effects of Flu Shots
Parents should know that the side effects of the flu shot are mild, and the side effects are similar in adults, children, and infants.
Fever after flu shot.
Parents need to check if the child has a fever of 101°F (38°C) or lower as this is a common side effect of the flu shot and it goes away in a day or two.
Flu injection site reaction
The most common side effect of the flu shot is a reaction at the injection site. After the shot is given, parents will need to check if children have pain, redness, warmth, and in some cases, slight swelling at the injection site. Side effects usually go away in less than two days.
By Dr. Prashant Gowda, Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician, Maternity Hospital, Sarjapur, Bengaluru
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