The influenza virus can be more than just an uncomfortable nuisance, causing a week or more of intense illness and missed school days for children. What many parents might not fully grasp is the serious nature of the flu's potential impact. According to Dr. April Douglass-Bright, head of general pediatrics at Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper University Health Care, complications such as dehydration and bacterial infections like pneumonia are common. Tragically, the flu can even lead to pediatric deaths.
While children with pre-existing health conditions, like asthma, are at a higher risk for severe flu-related complications, healthy children are not immune. Dr. Daniela Moscarella, an assistant clinical professor at Rutgers Health School of Nursing, explains that unlike adults who build robust immune systems over time, infants and young children are vulnerable due to their undeveloped defenses. They tend to contract illnesses rapidly and experience more severe symptoms. Their smaller anatomies also mean they struggle more to clear mucus and congestion compared to adults.
Given that flu viruses constantly mutate, an annual vaccination is crucial for everyone aged 6 months and older. Meghan Faulkner, R.N., a clinical instructor at Rutgers Health School of Nursing and a pediatric critical care nurse for nearly two decades, attests to the devastating complications she has witnessed firsthand. She emphasizes that children consistently face the highest infection rates during seasonal outbreaks, and a significant portion of this suffering is preventable through the flu vaccine.
The past flu season proved particularly severe, ranking among the worst since 2017-2018. Faulkner highlights CDC data reporting 266 influenza-associated pediatric deaths during the 2024–2025 season, with an alarming 90% of these children not having been fully vaccinated. This underscores a concerning trend, as only 49.2% of children aged 6 months to 17 years received the vaccine last year.
Typically, the flu season extends from October through May, making the fall the ideal time for vaccination. Dr. Moscarella advises aiming for your child's flu shot sometime in September to early October, as it takes approximately two weeks for immunity to fully develop. However, with flu activity often peaking in February or March, getting vaccinated later in the season is still beneficial and highly encouraged.
Vaccination is particularly vital for children attending daycare or school for the first time. As Dr. Douglass-Bright points out, these environments involve close contact and sharing, increasing the likelihood of viral transmission.
The recommendation also extends to young adults transitioning to college life and dormitories. Dr. Moscarella stresses the importance of vaccination for this age group. Even if vaccines aren't available at their doctor's office before they leave for school, many college campuses host flu vaccination clinics, making it easy for older children to prioritize their shot.
Regarding dosage, children can receive the flu vaccine starting at six months of age. The recommended schedule varies: kids under nine years old who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart. Children aged nine and older, or those who have previously completed a full vaccine series, typically need just one dose annually. Additionally, a needle-free intranasal spray option is available for individuals aged 2 to 49 years.
In summary, an annual flu vaccination is recommended for all children over six months. While getting the shot in September or October offers the best chance for maximum protection, receiving it later in the season still provides significant benefits against the flu.
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Originally published at: https://www.aol.com/articles/best-time-child-flu-shot-163100787.html
