Reaction to the Flu Vaccine in Toddlers

Seasonal "flu" (influenza) vaccine is recommended for all children 6 months through 18 years old. In particular, toddlers have a higher risk of getting the flu or becoming very sick from it, so they should receive a flu shot every year.

Two Forms of Flu Vaccine

• Pediatricians may recommend one form of flu vaccine over the other based on your child's age or general health. Toddlers under 2 years of age and children of all ages with asthma should receive only the version of the vaccine that comes as an injection (the flu "shot"). The nasal spray form of the flu vaccine should be given only to healthy children ages 2 and up.

Mild Reactions

• You cannot get sick with the flu by getting a flu vaccine. Because the viruses used to make the vaccine are dead, they cannot replicate in your body to cause disease. Some people, including toddlers, may experience body aches, soreness or swelling at the site of injection and a low-grade fever. These symptoms usually only last for one to two days.

Severe Reactions

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly everyone who gets a flu vaccine will not experience severe side effects. Rarely, flu vaccine may cause a serious allergic reaction.

Signs of Allergic Reactions

• The signs of a serious allergic reaction may include dizziness, difficult breathing, wheezing or hoarseness, rapid heartbeat, hives or paleness. Contact your child's doctor right away if he shows any of these symptoms after flu vaccination.

Past Reactions

• If your toddler previously had a severe reaction to flu vaccine, she should not get another.