Flu Shot…or Not?

Winter is on its way…brisk days and pink cheeks, hot cider and gingerbread, shopping for December holidays…and what else? Flu shots!

As a pediatrician, I am often asked if flu shots are a good idea for kids…and the answer is YES! For many, a flu shot can be life-saving.

Even so, some people wonder if it isn’t better to get the illness to boost our immunity “the old-fashioned way”. The answer is definitely no! For the very young and very old, flu can be very serious. Even the strongest of us wilt after days of high fever, chills, muscle aches, cough and congestion (yuk!).

The flu vaccine is a great idea for all of us, and it is especially important for children between 6 months and age 5. For babies less than 6 months old, make sure all family members and caretakers have had the flu vaccine to help protect the infant until he or she is old enough for the vaccine.

Some parents worry that the flu shot will cause the flu, but there is no risk at all of getting the illness from the flu shot. The shot is a “killed” vaccine, which means that the influenza virus is inactivated and cannot cause an infection. Side effects, such as soreness or mild fever, sometimes occur but usually disappear within 24 to 48 hours. The nasal spray, FluMist, is a live vaccine, so it is possible to have mild symptoms like a cold as a reaction to this vaccine. FluMist is not approved for children younger than age 2.

Since it is already December, is it too late to get a flu vaccine? Not at all. Earlier is better, since the flu season can start in late November, and last through March or April. The vaccine is effective within about two weeks, and immunity should last at least six months or more. So don’t delay!

This is the first in a series of “Winter Health Tips”. Next week…”Why Doesn’t the Doctor Get Sick?” I am eager to hear from you, so please share your comments and questions!