Do healthy children need flu shots?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu (influenza) vaccine for all children ages 6 months to 18 years — ideally given in September or as soon as the vaccine is available. The flu vaccine is available in two forms: • A shot. Flu shots can be given to children age 6 months and older. Side effects of flu shots for kids may include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, and muscle aches. • A nasal spray. The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) can be given to children age 2 years and older. Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine for kids may include runny nose, wheezing and headache. Whether you choose a shot or nasal spray, keep in mind that children age 8 and younger who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or who didn’t receive at least one dose of the 2009 H1N1 flu (swine flu) vaccine last year need two doses of this year’s flu vaccine given at least four weeks apart. One dose is adequate for children age 9
