Is flu shot recommended for babies?
For the 2020-2021 flu season, CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Flu shots can be given to your child 6 months and older. The nasal spray vaccine can be given to people 2 through 49 years of age.
Why are babies given 2 flu shots?
This is why two doses of influenza vaccine, separated by a month, are recommended for children under the age of nine the first season they are vaccinated. The first dose primes the immune system, while the second dose actually provides the immunity.
Do babies need 2 flu shots?
Some children 6 months to 8 years old require two doses of flu vaccine. Children in this age group getting vaccinated for the first time, and those who have only previously received one dose of vaccine, should get two doses of vaccine this season.
Does the flu shot hurt babies?
But here’s one less thing to worry about: getting the influenza shot is perfectly safe for babies 6 months and older. It’s also important for preventing scary flu-related complications—like pneumonia and dehydration—that can arise in children younger than 5 years old.
Should I give my child flu vaccine?
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated before the start of each flu season, with very few exceptions. Some people are more likely to get health problems from the flu, such as the elderly, pregnant women, infants, and people with medical conditions like asthma or diabetes.
Can 6 month old get flu shot?
Influenza vaccination is safe for anyone 6 months of age and older. It protects you and those around you from the flu and its complications. Because influenza viruses change – often from year to year – people don’t stay immune for very long.
Do babies get fever after flu shot?
Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older. Side effects might include soreness, redness and swelling where the shot was given. A fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea and tiredness also can occur.
Why you shouldn’t give your child the flu shot?
There are very few people who shouldn’t get a flu shot. Children less than six months old or who had a definite allergic reaction to the flu shot are the only ones who can’t. Those with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome should talk to their doctor, but that’s rare.
What happens if a 3 month old gets the flu?
Children younger than 2 years old will often need to be treated with medicine that fights off the flu virus. This is called antiviral medicine. The medicine works best if started within 48 hours after symptoms begin, if possible. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in liquid form will likely be used.
How long is baby sleepy after shots?
Overall, the study showed infants slept for an average of 69 minutes longer in the 24 hours following immunization than in the 24-hour period before immunization. Researchers found that on average all the infants slept longer after immunization.
Why can’t babies younger than 6 months get the flu shot?
Since infants less than 6 months of age cannot get the flu shot (it won’t work), antibodies against the flu are transferred through breast milk.
Can newborns catch the flu?
Although all children younger than 5 years old are considered at higher risk for complications from flu, the highest risk is for those younger than 2 years old, with the highest hospitalization and death rates among infants younger than 6 months old.
Can newborns survive the flu?
Call your pediatrician as soon as you notice any of those problems. You don’t want to take any chances. When your baby has the flu, they could be at risk for complications, such as sinus and ear infections and pneumonia — especially if they’re under 6 months old. Quick treatment can help prevent trouble.