What Are Infant Vaccinations for the Flu?

Infant flu vaccinations are an important part of preventative medicine. The flu shot is safe and can be given to babies 6 months or older.

Definition

• A vaccination for the flu is an inactive form of the influenza virus. The vaccine teaches the immune system to recognize the flu virus so it can prevent the illness.

Importance

• Infants are one of the most vulnerable groups of people for influenza. Infant flu vaccinations can help prevent hospitalization and death from pneumonia caused by the influenza virus.

Types

• The flu shot is an injected vaccine containing dead virus particles, given in one or two doses. The nasal spray vaccine is not approved for infants.

Recommendations

• The CDC recommends that all infants older than 6 months receive vaccines for both 2009 H1N1 flu (swine flu) and seasonal flu. The seasonal flu vaccination should be repeated yearly throughout childhood.

Safety

• The flu shot cannot cause flu and is considered very safe, far less risky for infants than contracting the flu. Extremely rare complications include allergic reactions to the eggs used to make the vaccine.