Should Children Get the Flu Shot Every Year?

October 24, 2023

Now that our children are back in school and spending significantly more time around other children and adults, the risk of getting sick goes up drastically. This is especially true as the fall and winter seasons approach because we are all spending much more time indoors.

While we can’t always prevent illness in our kids, it is our duty to do what we can to keep them as healthy as possible. That’s where flu vaccines come in! A flu shot every fall can help your child stay healthy all season.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Statesville can vaccinate your child any day of the week. Read on to learn more about the importance of an annual vaccine.

Who Is Eligible for a Flu Shot?

The flu shot is widely available to anyone 6 months of age or older, and recommended for anyone who is not allergic to the ingredients. The flu shot changes from year to year to offer the best level of protection against the current circulating strains. This is why getting the shot early in every fall season is crucial!

Once your children build up the antibodies they need to fight the real infection, they can ward off illness throughout the season. The shot can prevent influenza entirely, or it can also minimize symptom severity if your child experiences a breakthrough infection.

Reasons Why Young Children Should Get the Flu Shot

It reduces risk of death or serious illness due to the flu.
It can reduce the number of sick days if they do get the flu.
It protects others who cannot get the vaccine.
It can keep any symptoms mild.

Can Kids Get Really Sick From the Flu?

Children and infants have really small breathing passages and airways. Because theirs are much smaller than ours, any sort of inflammation in those areas can make it harder to breathe normally. Dangerous side effects like respiratory distress can become medical emergencies really quickly.

While it is important to remember that not every child will have a severe reaction from influenza, it is still a possibility. Why take that chance? Getting vaccinated is your child’s best defense against a serious infection this season.