Understanding flu shots and nasal spray flu vaccines for infants, toddlers, and older children

Influenza vaccination: How flu vaccines help kids

There are several reasons to consider vaccinating your child against the flu virus. The influenza vaccine can help:

• Lower your child’s risk of severe complications from the flu virus
• Limit the spread of the flu in families, schools, and daycares
• Limit missed school time due to sickness from the flu

Complications from the flu virus

Children under five are at greater risk for serious flu complications. The flu is a viral disease, but it can also increase a child’s chance of getting a bacterial infection.  

Flu virus complications include:

• Dehydration
• Brain disease called encephalopathy
• Worsening of existing medical conditions like asthma or heart disease
• Bacterial ear infections 
• Lung infections (pneumonia) 

 In the most severe cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization and rarely, can be fatal.

How does the influenza vaccine work?

The flu vaccine is an immunization that works by exposing the body to an inactive or severely weakened form of the influenza virus. The body then learns how to recognize and fight the virus when exposed to the actual flu virus in their daily lives.

Getting vaccinated against the flu is safer than waiting to be exposed to the actual flu virus since the flu can be more serious than the common cold in children under five years old. The flu vaccine is effective but doesn’t work 100% of the time, so it’s still possible for your child to get the flu even if they are vaccinated. But vaccination helps reduce the likelihood of your child getting seriously sick from the flu.

Types of influenza vaccines available for children: flu shot and nasal spray

There are several different types of flu vaccines. Two types that most children will get include:

• The standard dose flu shot  
• The nasal spray flu vaccine 

The standard dose flu shot can be used in anyone six months or older and given as an injection. Eggs are used to develop some flu vaccines. However, research has shown that the vaccine's egg components do not affect children with egg allergies. Therefore, even if your child has an egg allergy, they may receive any age-appropriate version of the flu vaccine, as long as it’s given in a medical setting. 

The nasal spray flu vaccine can be given to anyone 2 to 49 years old. If your child has certain underlying medical conditions — like asthma or a weakened immune system — the nasal spray flu vaccine may not be recommended for them.

Your pharmacist, local pediatrician, or Summer Health pediatrician can help you determine the best flu vaccine option for your child. You can text a Summer Health pediatrician with questions anytime.

Flu vaccine recommendations for children

Anyone six months of age or older should get a flu vaccine each year. Most people will only need one dose of the flu vaccine. If your child only needs one dose, they should ideally get vaccinated in September or October. However, if you are already in a medical facility that offers flu vaccines in July or August and it will be difficult for you to return in the fall, it is okay to get your child vaccinated earlier.

How do I know if my child needs two doses of the flu vaccine?

Some children need two doses of the flu vaccine in a single flu season. The CDC recommends two doses of the flu vaccine if your child is between six months and eight years old and:

• Is getting their first flu vaccine ever
• Has never had more than one dose of the flu vaccine in their life
• Has an unknown flu vaccine history 

If your child needs two doses, the CDC recommends getting the first dose as soon as the flu vaccine becomes available, possibly in July or August. That’s because the second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first. Since their maximum protection against the flu won’t kick in until their second dose, getting the first dose as early as possible helps them complete both doses sooner.

What are the possible side effects of the flu shot and nasal spray flu vaccine?

Common side effects of the standard dose flu shot include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache

Common side effects of the nasal spray flu vaccine include:

• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Wheezing
• Headache

People who use the nasal spray vaccine can experience vomiting, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, or cough. These side effects are usually mild and go away quickly.

If your child appears to have an allergic reaction (signs such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness), call 911. Contact your local pediatrician or a Summer Health pediatrician if any other reactions concern you.

Getting vaccinated: Where can my infant or older child get an influenza vaccine?

When your child gets vaccinated against influenza at the start of flu season, it helps them stay healthy and safe throughout flu season. Your child’s local doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will be able to provide a flu vaccine. You can also use the CDC’s search tool to find a local flu vaccine. Many families are eligible for free flu shots depending on their insurance coverage.

Getting vaccinated: As a parent, should I get an influenza vaccine?

It’s recommended that everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. That includes parents like you and other adults in your household. Ensuring everyone in a household is vaccinated against the influenza virus helps limit the spread of flu to others, missed school or work time, and potential flu complications. 

There are many more flu vaccine options for adults, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which option is best for you. Adults only need one dose of the flu vaccine. Aim to get yours in September or October for maximum protection throughout flu season.