flu This respiratory infection highly contagious, caused by the influenza virus, which particularly affects children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, which in some cases can be serious and even fatal. What about kids in the house? Can children be vaccinated against the flu? This is age and where applicable.
Can children be vaccinated against the flu? it’s age
flu shot every yearbecause the virus is constantly changing and the composition of the vaccine must be adapted to the circulating strains. the vaccine is recommended from 6 months of age, but not all children have the same indications. this is not the type of vaccine.
In accordance with document approved by the Public Health Commission of the Ministry of Health this summerthe next influenza vaccination campaign that will start in Octoberfor the first time in all of Spain healthy infants and children six months to five years of age This measure is based on scientific evidence that shows that children are the main carriers of the virus and that vaccinating them can reduce the impact of the epidemic on the entire population, especially on the most vulnerable groups.
How to get the flu shot for kids
healthy children Between the ages of 6 and 59 months, a single-dose vaccine can be given.how good it will be inactivated or intranasal injection of attenuated virus.
Vaccine injection It can be used in children from 6 months of age (cellular vaccine from 2 years old), and the intranasal vaccine can be given to people aged 2 to 49 years.. However, some people with underlying medical conditions should not receive the intranasal vaccine.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
injectable vaccine applied to the arm or thigh, depending on the age of the child. The dose in all cases is 0.5 ml. Vaccine intranasal called Fluenz Tetra and is used by injecting 0.1 ml into each nostril..
It is usually assigned single dose per year. However, children under 9 years of age who have received their first flu shot are advised to give two doses one month apart.
flu vaccination also recommended for children with diseases which make them more susceptible to complications such as moderate to severe asthma, diabetes, certain kidney diseases, immune system problems, neurological disorders leading to muscle weakness, significant obesity, chronic treatment with certain medications, and others. This year, the respiratory and neurological effects of COVID-19 have also been added to the list of indications, and for the first time, vaccination is recommended for children and adolescents living in institutions. Last year, it included premature babies born before 32 weeks.from 6 months of life to the first 2 years.
Besides, Children and other cohabitants of patients should be vaccinated. (children or adults) for whom the disease may be particularly dangerous, regardless of whether they themselves have been vaccinated.
Side effects of the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. The most common side effects are mild and transient, such as: pain and swelling at the puncture site or low temperature. In rare cases, it can cause serious allergic reactions. The vaccine does not contain a live virus, so it cannot cause the flu.