Are Flu Shots Safe for Children?

With the recent arrival of the H1N1 virus and the heightened concern that has surrounded it, flu vaccinations are being urged more strongly than ever, especially for young children, pregnant women and the elderly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 36,000 people die from complications of the seasonal flu each year. Some people choose not to have their children vaccinated, for fear of developmental issues, which have been widely suspected to contribute to higher rates of developmental disorders, such as autism. Medical experts insist the best protection against the seasonal flu is to receive the vaccination.

Why Vaccinate?

• The Centers for Disease Control reports that about 5 percent to 20 percent of the population in the United States gets the flu and about 200,000 are hospitalized with complications of the flu. The best way to protect you and your family is to get the vaccination. Many experts believe that the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of the flu. The virus is spread from person to person, either from coughing or sneezing. Frequent hand washing is also an important step in prevention.

Is It Safe?

• The safety debate over the flu vaccine has been going on for years. It stems from a chemical called thimerosal which contains 49 percent mercury. Thimerosal has been used as a preservative for vaccines since the 1930s. Thimerosal has not been in children's vaccinations since 2003, and thimerosal-free flu vaccines are also available. It is important to note that no correlation has ever been found between thimerosal and autism, as has been suggested.

Allergies

• Children who are allergic to eggs might have an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine because it contains a trace of egg protein. If you suspect that your child might be allergic to eggs, it is a good idea to have them tested before they receive the shot. Consult with your pediatrician to determine the best course of action.

Types of Flu Vaccines

• There are two ways to receive the flu vaccine--getting shot or receiving the nasal spray. The flu shot contains an inactive virus and is administered through the arm. Children 6 months of age and older can receive the shot. Children receiving the shot for the first time will need two doses. The nasal spray contains a weakened virus and is administered through the nose. Healthy people only, ages 2 years to 49 years of age, are approved to receive the flu nasal spray vaccine.

When to Vaccinate

• You should have your family vaccinated as soon as it becomes available. Contact your family doctor or pediatrician and ask when the vaccine will be available. Getting your child vaccinated early is a great step in lowering their risk of contracting the flu virus. It takes about two weeks after receiving the shot for your body to build up the antibodies to fight the virus.