Do Children Need the Flu Shot?

Yes, children need the flu shot.

The flu shot can help protect children from getting the flu, which is a serious respiratory illness. Flu may cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. In some cases, flu can also cause severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death.

Children are at higher risk of getting the flu and its complications than adults, and the flu shot is the most effective way to help prevent the flu in children. The flu vaccine has been shown to be very safe for children, and most doctors recommend that all children get the flu shot every year starting at 6 months old.

The flu shot is especially important for children who have underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or sickle cell disease. These conditions can increase the risk of developing serious complications from the flu.

If your child is sick, especially if the child has a fever, you should postpone their flu shot until the child is better.