The Flu vaccine is now available as both an injection and a nasal mist. Our pediatricians recommend the yearly flu vaccine for all children age 6 months and older. The nasal flu mist is available for children 2 years of age and older. If this is the first season your child is receiving the flu vaccine he/she will need 2 flu vaccines this year given 4 weeks apart.
FLU VACCINE MYTHS & FACTS
1) MYTH: The Flu Shot Causes the Flu
FACT: The flu shot is a dead virus which cannot cause infection in the body. The nasal spray is a very weakened strain that is unable to replicate in lungs and cause infection. After the vaccine, you may have low grade fever, fatigue or runny nose as your immune system is reacting to the vaccine.
2) MYTH: The Flu Shot doesn’t work
FACT: It is possible to still get the flu after having the vaccine, but the infection is less severe when the vaccine was given. The flu vaccine is needed every year because the virus mutates from year to year.
3) MYTH: The Flu Virus is not a serious infection
FACT: Nearly 30,000 people in the United States die from the flu every year. About half of the children are healthy infants and children.