Flu season is now underway, and the best way to take care of your health and your children’s is to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. To help parents understand the importance of keeping their child up to date with their seasonal vaccines, Dr. Kathleen M. Kadow, a pediatrician at Children’s National Pediatricians & Associates Silver Spring, addresses some common questions to ease parental concerns.
Why does my child need a flu shot and other vaccinations?
The flu is more than just a common cold for children; it’s highly contagious and can lead to pneumonia and dehydration. More commonly, getting the flu shot decreases doctors’ visits, missed school days, and hospitalization. Flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, and the combination of the two can cause life-threatening complications. It is important to remember that children can receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to prevent illness.
What time of year should my child get their flu shot?
Flu season occurs from October to May of each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against influenza every year. It is best to vaccinate yourself and your child by October 31.
If your children are between 6 months and 8 years old and have never received a two-dose series of the flu vaccine, they should get their first dose as soon as the vaccine is available. They will need a second dose at least four weeks later for the vaccine to be effective.
Will a flu shot prevent my child from getting the flu?
As the vaccine is created, scientists predict which flu strains will be prevalent the following year. Although these predictions provide significant protection from the flu, there is still a chance that your child may contract a strain not in the vaccine. The good news is that if your child receives a flu vaccine and ends up with a flu illness, it will be less severe, and the likelihood of hospitalization or complications will be significantly diminished.
Can my child get their flu shot and COVID-19 shot at the same time?
Yes! If your child is eligible to receive the vaccinations, it is safe for them to be administered within the same appointment. This year, the new 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is also available for anyone over 6 months.
What advice do you have for a parent with vaccine hesitancy?
Please discuss the issue with your primary care pediatrician. Pediatricians are specially trained to discuss vaccines at every visit and welcome any parental concerns.
The flu vaccine contains proteins of the flu virus or the inactive version of the virus. This means that you and your child will not contract the flu or test positive for COVID-19 from the vaccine. It is important to keep your child safe from these illnesses, especially with school in session and the holiday season approaching. Vaccinating yourself and your child can prevent life-threatening infections, keep your child in school and help to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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