Your Child and Flu Vaccine: All the Questions You Need Answered

Written By: Dr Niki Tracy

It’s that time of year again - the days are getting shorter, the weather is getting more relaxed, and all the kids are coughing and sniffling - flu season is here!

While flu infections have decreased in the last few years thanks to COVID, health authorities expect a significant surge this year. As such, it’s an excellent time to consider having your flu vaccine if you haven’t had one already. Additionally, you should also consider having your children receive their paediatric flu vaccine as well.

Q: What is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is an annual shot that helps protect against some of the most common influenza virus strains. It is made up of an inactivated virus and works by stimulating the body’s immune system to create antibodies that can help protect against flu infection. It is a safe and effective way to help prevent the flu and its complications.

Q: Do I need to get the flu vaccine every year?

Yes! Everyone should have a flu shot every year. The circulating influenza viruses change yearly, so the flu vaccines are updated for each flu season.

Protection from your flu vaccine also wanes over time so it is important to have your flu shot yearly to maintain the best protection against flu infections.

Q: Why should children be vaccinated?

The flu vaccine is an easy and safe way to protect your kids from illness. Children should be vaccinated against the flu for the same reason adults should—it helps protect them from becoming sick and suffering complications from flu infection. Children under 5 years old are especially at risk and more likely to have serious flu-related complications. 

Flu vaccines help to reduce the need for doctor visits, missed school days, and absences from work. If you get the flu after being vaccinated, you will likely have milder symptoms and a shorter duration of illness than those who did not have the flu vaccine.

In addition, if your child is vaccinated, it can help protect those around them, including people at higher risk of complications from the flu, like people with weakened immune systems, older adults, and young babies who cannot be vaccinated yet.

This winter season, the flu and RSV are all circulating together in the community. Having the flu vaccine lowers your chances of catching a combination of the flu and RSV infections simultaneously.

Q: When should I have my flu vaccine?

In Hong Kong, flu season generally runs from January to April and July to August. The flu vaccine takes time to become effective so it’s best to get vaccinated early - before the flu virus is circulating in your community. If you don't know which flu vaccine in Hong Kong you should have, check with the vaccination calculator here.

Q: What age should my child get the flu vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children 6 months and older get a flu vaccine yearly.

Babies less than 6 months old have a higher risk of developing complications from the flu but they are unfortunately too young to have a flu shot. The best way to protect them from flu infection is by vaccinating yourself and ensuring your family and friends are vaccinated.  

Q: How long will it take for my child to develop immunity to the flu?

It typically takes 2 weeks after a flu vaccination for your child to build immunity against the flu. After they receive the vaccine, they should be protected against the most common strains of influenza virus.

Q: Why do children need to have 2 flu shots?

If your child is under 9 years old, and has not had the flu shot before, they will need two doses. The second dose should be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose. This is due to their developing immune systems. The first dose “primes” the immune system and the second dose raises antibody levels to help improve protection against infection with the flu. Your child may not be protected against the flu without the second dose.

For children ages 9 years and older, only 1 dose of the flu vaccine is required. 

Q: Can my child get a nasal spray flu vaccine instead?

The nasal spray flu vaccine is a good alternative for children afraid of vaccines. It is quick, painless, and easy to administer. If your child is 2 years or older, ask your pediatrician about the nasal flu vaccine. The most common side effects are runny nose and nasal congestion, usually relatively mild.

If your child has certain health conditions, your doctor cannot recommend the nasal spray for your child. Consult your pediatrician to determine which type of flu vaccine is best for your child.

Q: What are some side effects of the flu shot for babies and toddlers?

While children may have some side effects from the flu vaccine, these are usually quite mild. In fact, children are more likely to experience severe effects from the flu than from the vaccine.

The most common side effects of the flu vaccine are feeling tired, headaches and body aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Your child may also have mild flu-like symptoms, like fever and cough. These usually last one to two days and can be managed with over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen, which are safe for children. Rarely, a more serious allergic reaction can occur, and it is important to be alert for signs of this. If your child continues to feel unwell, you should seek out medical advice.

It is important to remember that these side effects are mild and temporary and far outweighed by the vaccine's protection against the more serious risks of the flu.

Q: What are the complications of the flu?

The flu is a more serious illness than the common cold. Children, especially those under 5 years old, are more likely to need medical care. Flu-related complications can include dehydration, pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, and exacerbation of chronic health problems like asthma. Rare complications may include encephalitis and death.

Q: Can I give my child the flu shot if he/she is sick or has a fever?

If your child has a mild cough or runny nose, they can usually have the flu vaccine after a checkup with your pediatrician.

Giving a flu shot to a child with a fever is not recommended. The flu shot should be given when the child is healthy. If your child has a fever, wait until the fever is gone before getting a flu shot. 

Q: How can I prepare my child for the flu vaccination?

Here are a few tips to help make the vaccination experience easier for both you and your child.

• Talk to your child about the importance of getting a flu vaccination, what to expect before, during, and after.
• Make sure your child is well-rested and has had something to eat before the vaccine.
• Try to keep your child calm and relaxed.
• Ensure the child wears something comfortable and loose that can easily be rolled up for the shot.
• Bring a favorite toy or distractions such as an iPad or a book to keep your child’s mind off the vaccine.
• Remember to stay positive and don’t forget to praise your child after the injection!

Q: Are there other ways to protect my child from the flu?

Simple infection control measures can lower your risk of catching the flu.

• Clean your hands frequently with either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough and wash their hands afterwards
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• If your child is sick, you should keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the fever has gone

Vaccination is the best way to protect your loved ones from the flu and flu-related complications. As parents, there are a lot of tough decisions to make every day. This can often be made even more complex with conflicting information. We hope the information in this article helps you decide whether your child should be vaccinated against the flu.

If you have any other questions or concerns about the flu vaccinations, our OT&P paediatricians, Dr Niki Tracy and Dr Chris Chan, can answer them.