Who Needs Flu Shots for Children?
Flu shots for children are especially important for kids with certain diseases or conditions. These children may be at greater risk of serious complications. A child with any of the following conditions or treatments must get the flu vaccine — even if they are over age 5. • Heart, lung, or kidney disease • Asthma • Diabetes or other metabolic disorders • Sickle cell anemia • HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system • Treatment with cancer drugs or steroids • Long-term aspirin treatment, which when combined with the flu raises the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness in children Although an inhaled flu vaccine is available for healthy individuals between the ages of 5 and 49, it has not been approved for use in children under 5 or for those with chronic medical conditions.
