Influenza Vaccine Influenza - or "flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza virus. influenza outbreaks happen every year. influenza vaccination is safe for anyone 6 months of age and older. it protects you and thoses around you fromthe flu and its complication. because influenza viruses change-often from year to year-people don't stay immune for very long. Flu shots are usually given once a year starting in october. the shots provider protection throughout the flu season- October to April. should my child get a flu shot? yes. all children over 6 months old should get a flu shot each year. babies and children 6 months to 9 years of age who have never had a flu shot will need 2 doses of the vaccine, given at least 4 weeks apart. those who have had one or more doses of the regular seasonal flu shot in the past, or children 9 years of age and older,will only need 1 dose per year. The vaccine is especially important for children and youth who are at high risk of complications from the flu, including those who: are between 6 months and 5 years f age. have chronic heart or lung disorders ( such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, asthma ) serious enough to need regular medical follow-up. have chronic conditions that weaken the immune system, such as immune deficiencies, cancer, HIV or a treatment that causes immune supperssion. have diabetes or other metabolic diseases. have chronic kidney disease. have chronic anemia or a blood disorder. have a chronic neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder. are severely obese ( body mass index>40 ). are pregnant. have to take acetylsalicylic acid ( ASA or Aspirin ) on a daily basis. live in a chronic care facility. live in first nation or inuit communities. lpve with another child or adult who is at risk of complications from the flu. children under 5 years old are at higher risk of complications from the flu-such as high fever, convulsions and pneumonia. if you have children younger than 5 years old or who have health complications, everyone living in the house should get a flu shot. this is especially important if you have children under 6 months old or if a member of your household is pregnant. Caregivers who take care of children less than 5 years of age should also be immunized. How safe is the flu vaccine? the influenza vaccine is very safe. it cannot cause the flu. side effects are usually mild and can include: mild soreness where the needle went into the arm for 1 to 2 days. A mild fever or acher for the fisrt day or 2 after immunization. Do Not give child ibuprofen or acetaminophen before or around the time of vaccination as it does not prevent the pain of injection and it could have an impact on how well the vaccine work. these medications can be used to treat fever, pain. or other bothersome side effects if they develop after vaccination.
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