Reasons for My Children’s Flu Shots: The Essential Reasons
The host of Kinderling Conversation – a parenting show – has access to the most talented and passionate professionals in the early years sector. Shevonne Hunt is grateful to be in such a privileged role.
She tells us how, after speaking to experts on the subject at her job, she decided to vaccinate her children against influenza this year.
We always look for stories that will help families get through the worst of colds and influenza season. Inevitably, that means talking about the flu vaccination.
While I was vaccinated myself, I didn’t want my children to be vaccinated. They don’t like needles. (Is there a kid who loves them?) It would also mean that they’d have to get the injection every year.
Then I spoke with a Doctor who is a paediatrician and mother of four at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.
Healthy children Can Still Get Influenza
I was frightened by the idea that healthy kids could get sick with the flu.
Margie said, “Half of the kids admitted to the hospital or intensive care unit are previously healthy children.”
I didn’t think my kids had any health issues, but thought they might get a little sniffly. I never thought they could become seriously ill.
The flu season in Australia last year was the worst for over a decade. While deaths are rare, and mostly occur among those over 65 years old, children who are healthy are not immune.
After my conversation with Margie, I decided to get the flu vaccine for all of my children. My daughter fell ill just before we headed to the doctor. She didn’t have a bad flu, but her condition deteriorated quickly. This showed how serious a disease like that can be for children.
The Flu is a Miserable Experience, even if you don’t die.
Many people confuse a cold with the flu.
Influenza is more than a little sneezing and sniffling. Margie says that “Kids get sicker faster and have more muscle pains, headaches, and aches.” Children can also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.”
We can’t prevent all the illnesses that our children may get. Gastro, common colds, and nits, (ok, nits shouldn’t be classified as an actual illness but they are) I want to protect my kids from anything I can.
The vaccine is not 100 percent effective
Professor Robert Booy, Head of Clinical Research for the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, is a professor. He claims that the flu vaccine this year is between 50 and 70 percent effective. That’s not insignificant.
Tell me another medical intervention that is at least 50 percent effective. He said that there are several medical interventions you can get from your GP which have a 20-30% chance of working.
This infection is rarely fatal, but it is the most common vaccine-preventable cause of death among children.
Robert adds that this vaccine is very safe and has been tested. The vaccine has been in use for more than 60 years. The flu vaccine is not infectious because the virus (in the injection itself) has been killed.
The flu vaccine is given to children for free.
Children aged six months to four years in South Australia (five in all other states) are eligible for a free flu vaccine. The government doesn’t usually implement public health initiatives of this magnitude without a reason.
We all know that the current vaccination program we follow for our children protects them against all sorts of diseases, including Polio, Measles and Diphtheria. The government says they want to protect children against the flu. I am willing to accept that claim.
Robert believes that parents who share his beliefs will be more inclined to give their children the flu vaccine.
Parents are more comfortable giving their children vaccinations recommended by and paid by the government. Now that the government of each state is recommending flu vaccinations and paying for them, this removes one of the biggest concerns that parents had in the past.
The Vaccine is not the only Solution.
I don’t think the vaccine will stop my kids from getting sick this winter. I think the vaccine will help them stay healthy and avoid being as badly affected by flu viruses.
Margie Danchin says that in addition to vaccinations, we should also teach our children basic hygiene.
“Apart from having the vaccination, we strongly recommend that children are taught to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough and to wash their hands afterward.
Why Should I Give my Child a Flu Vaccine?
The flu is a serious illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “millions of children are sickened by flu every year and thousands end up in hospital.” Since 2010, they estimate that between 7,000 and 28,000. children younger than five years of age have been hospitalized with flu in the United States. Children with chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, or disorders of the nervous system and brain are more likely than others to be hospitalized for flu. Since 2010, the CDC has estimated that between 130- 1,200 children have died each year from influenza.
The flu vaccine protects babies and children against flu symptoms as well as spreading the virus to others. Children who spend time in childcare or school environments, or are exposed to other children or people with chronic illnesses, should be vaccinated. They are more likely to spread and contract influenza because they touch surfaces, their faces, and are not always good at washing their hands. The vaccine can help to lessen the severity of the flu and reduce complications or hospitalizations, especially in children under 5 years old. It is easier to prevent illness than treat it.
When should I give my child a flu vaccine?
The recommended vaccination schedule includes an influenza vaccine for infants 6 months of age and older. An influenza vaccine should be administered every year/during each flu season. CDC.
Children should also be aware that it takes two weeks before the flu vaccine protects them. Flu shots may not always prevent influenza, depending on the circulating strains of influenza and the strains selected for flu vaccines. A flu vaccine can help reduce flu symptoms, and may even prevent hospitalization and serious illness related to flu. This is especially true for infants and children under 2 years of age.
Just like adults, children should receive their vaccine before the update and select flu vaccine strains every year. Since flu strains are constantly evolving, it is recommended that babies and children get a flu shot every year.
What Flu Vaccines can Children Get?
In the US, many flu vaccines are only approved for babies older than 6 months. Infants and toddlers can receive the following influenza vaccines:
Cell culture-based flu vaccine: This type of flu vaccine is completely egg-free (safe for people with egg allergy), and it is grown by cell culture. It is approved for anyone older than 6 months. The virus strains are inactivated or have been purified.
- Flucelvax(r) Quadrivalent
Standard Flu Shot: Suitable for children aged 6 months and older, as well as adults. These flu shots are given by needle in the arm.
- Afluria(r) Quadrivalent*
- Fluarix(r) Quadrivalent
- Flulaval(r) Quadrivalent
- Fluzone(r) Quadrivalent**
*The dosage volume of Afluria (r) quadrivalent for infants and toddlers 6 months to 35 months is 0.25mL and 0.5mL respectively for those aged >= 3 years.
**Fluzone (r) quadrivalent is approved for children aged 6 to 35 months at 0.25mL or 0.5mL dose.
Intranasal flu vaccine: FlMist (r) Quarivalent Intranasal has not been approved for babies or pregnant women, but it is approved for toddlers and anyone between the ages of 2 and 49 who do not have chronic health conditions. Intranasal flu vaccines are administered by nasal spray. This is especially helpful for people who have a fear of needles or shots.
- FluMist(r) Quadrivalent Intranasal
What are the side effects of the influenza vaccine in children?
The flu vaccine is not a cause of flu but can have mild side effects that may include:
- The injection site may be swollen or red.
- Body Aches
- Fever
Where can I find a vaccine against the flu for my child?
Your child’s doctor or pediatrician will usually provide you with flu vaccination information, and may even have flu vaccines available. This is especially true at the beginning and peak of the influenza season. Many healthcare professionals ask parents to give their child a flu shot during yearly doctor visits or routine appointments. Insurance covers most flu vaccines.
You can also contact your local pharmacy, your health care provider or the public health department to find out what options you have. Many communities offer free flu vaccination clinics during autumn and winter.
If I am pregnant and due to give birth soon, can I still get the influenza vaccine?
It is recommended that if you plan to give birth during or near flu season, you get a flu vaccine before giving birth to protect you and your baby. Babies younger than six months are not eligible for a flu shot, but they can benefit from antibodies that the vaccine carrier gets. Vaccination is allowed during the third trimester. pregnant women should not get the nasal flu vaccine or live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).
Flu and flu-related illness can be more severe and common due to changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy. According to the CDC, flu vaccination has been shown to reduce flu-associated acute respiratory infection by pregnant women by half. Pregnant individuals who receive a flu vaccine can reduce their risk of being hospitalized for flu by 40 percent on average.
Consult your doctor to determine the flu vaccine that is right for you and your baby, and when to take it. It is recommended that your child receives a flu shot every year once they reach 6 months old (outside of the womb). The CDC list of recommended vaccines for kids can be found here.
What are the benefits of a flu shot for children?
Flu vaccines provide protection for infants and children.
- It has been proven to save the life of babies and children
- Reduce your risk of hospitalization and flu illness
- Can reduce symptoms of flu in those who have been vaccinated, but still fall ill.
- Reduce the risk of illness to keep your children in school or childcare and prevent parents from missing work.
- Reduce the risk of serious flu complications, especially in children under 5 years of age or those with chronic illnesses.
- It helps prevent the spread to friends and family, including babies younger than 6 months.
Infants and toddlers can be particularly vulnerable to influenza due to their immune system, contact with other children, and areas of high exposure. The vaccination of pregnant women, babies (over 6 months) and young children protects them and their communities from serious flu-related illnesses and spreading. Many flu vaccines are approved for babies older than 6 months old, young children and pregnant women. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional about the best option for you and your baby.
