Why should my child get a flu vaccine?

Reduces the risk of flu illness and hospitalization among children.
Shown to be life-saving for children.
Can make illness less severe among people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu.
Reduces the risk of illness, which can keep your child from missing school or childcare and you from having to miss work.
Reduces the high risk of developing serious flu complication especially if your child is younger than 5 years, or of any age with certain chronic conditions.
Helps prevent spreading flu to family and friends, including babies younger than 6 months who are too young to get a flu vaccine.

When should my child get a flu vaccine?

Doctors recommend that your child get a flu vaccine every year in the fall, starting when he or she is 6 months old. Some children 6 months through 8 years of age may need 2 doses for best protection.

CDC recommends a flu vaccine by the end of October, before flu begins spreading in your community. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later.
Children 6 months through 8 years getting a flu vaccine for the first time, and those who have only previously gotten one dose of flu vaccine, should get two doses of vaccine. The first dose should be given as soon as vaccine becomes available.
If your child previously got two doses of flu vaccine (at any time), he only needs one dose of flu vaccine this season.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone ages six months and older. Pregnant women should get a flu vaccine during each pregnancy. Flu vaccines given during pregnancy help protect both the mother and her baby from flu.

What vaccines protect against flu?

For the 2019-2020 flu season, CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.

Flu shots can be given to your child 6 months and older.
The nasal spray vaccine can be given to people 2 through 49 years of age. However, certain people with underlying medical conditions should not get the nasal spray vaccine.

Your child’s doctor will know which vaccines are right for your child. Call us today to schedule your flu shot.

Source Credit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/flu.html