Explained: Important Flu Vaccinations That Your Child Must Have

With the change in season and temperature, viral infections are on a constant rise among various age groups. After the pandemic, people have become more susceptible to diseases that directly attack the immune system. Children are at a higher risk of viral infections as their immunity system is weaker than adults, especially during the winter season.

Among all the infections, influenza is one of the most serious and prevalent viral infections during winter. It is a viral infection that affects the lungs' airways and is extremely contagious. It results in symptoms such as high fever, bodily aches, a cough, and others.

Most kids suffer from the flu for only a few days. However, some kids have more serious illnesses and can require hospital treatment. If not intervened on time, the flu can even lead to lung infection (pneumonia) or death.

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Therefore, it is important to get children vaccinated for flu to protect them and limit the risk of flu.

Some of the important vaccinations that must be given to children include:

1. First flu shot: The first round of flu shots must be given to children who are of 6 months or older. It is usually given in the thigh or the upper arm. The vaccine contains the killed flu virus which can't cause someone to get the flu. Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site are possible side effects. There may also be a fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and fatigue.

2. Nasal spray: Children 2 years of age and older who are in good health can receive the nasal spray flu vaccine. Children who use the nasal spray may experience side effects such as runny nose, wheezing, headache, nausea, muscular aches, a mild fever, and sore throat.

A second flu shot is required one month after the first one is given to a child between the ages of 6 months and 8 years. This will strengthen your defences against the illness. As the virus keeps mutating every season, each year a new variation of the flu vaccine comes up. Therefore, it is recommended that, the vaccine is given every year to children to boost their immunity.

When to get your child vaccinated?

Every youngster 6 months of age and older should receive the vaccination. However, some kids need a flu vaccination more urgently than others because they run a higher risk of developing flu-related problems. Children who have one of these conditions should receive the flu shot:

1. Long term lung or heart condition

2. Liver or kidney problems

3. Diabetes or blood disorders like sickle cell disease

4. Weak immune system

5. Genetic history of chronic diseases or flu

6. A child taking aspirin as long-term therapy

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Preventive Measures

In addition to the flu vaccination, certain preventive measures must also be taken to protect children from contracting flu infection. These include:

1. Avoid the child¡¯s contact with already infected person

2. Maintain oral hygiene of the child

3. Wash hands before touching the child, especially newborn babies

4. Keep the indoor area clean, especially the areas regularly used by children

About the author: Dr Ankita Baidya is a Consultant in Infectious Disease at HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.