The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your child from getting sick from the influenza virus. Now that flu season is approaching, Dr. Lauren Byrne from Personal Pediatrics answers frequently asked questions and addresses common myths about the flu vaccine.
Fact: The flu vaccine is designed to keep you healthy! You cannot get sick from the vaccine. The most common reaction is mild soreness at the injection site which resolves quickly.
Fact: Even if your child is healthy, the flu vaccine is still important. The flu vaccine does a great job of reducing the chance of serious infection and hospitalization from influenza, even in people without underlying medical conditions. Plus, getting vaccinated means your child helps protect others too—like babies or friends who might be more vulnerable to serious flu complications.
Fact: Even if your child isn’t in school or daycare, the flu vaccine is still a good idea. Flu germs can spread in many places—at home, at playdates, or in community settings. Older siblings can bring the flu virus home, potentially making other family members sick. By getting vaccinated, your child helps prevent the spread of the flu and keeps the whole family healthier.
Fact: The flu vaccine is updated every year to fight the flu strains that are expected to be prevalent that year. Even if your child does catch the flu after getting vaccinated, the vaccine can help make their illness much milder and quicker to recover from.
Fact: The circulating strains of the flu virus can change from year to year, so it’s important to get the flu vaccine every flu season.
Note: If your child is under the age of 9 years old, and it’s the first season they are receiving the flu vaccine, they will need two doses four weeks apart to achieve adequate protection.
Fact: It’s never too late to get protected! While it’s best to get the flu vaccine before the flu season starts, getting vaccinated later on still helps keep your child protected.
Fact: Many parents worry that their child’s egg allergy means they shouldn’t get the flu vaccine, but that’s not the case. According to the CDC, any eligible child can receive the flu vaccine regardless of their egg allergy.
By clearing up these common myths, we hope you feel more confident about choosing the vaccine for your family. It’s a simple step that provides strong protection and helps keep those around them safe. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.