Who should get the vaccine?
All family members and loved ones 6 months old and older should get the flu vaccine. The flu can cause serious health problems, even in healthy children. Some people are more likely to develop these serious health problems than the rest of us. That’s why it’s very important that they get a flu vaccine. Those people include:
- children
- pregnant women
- senior citizens
- people with disabilities
- people asthma or other chronic health conditions
- obese persons
Babies younger than 6 months old can’t get a flu vaccine but can get very sick if they get the flu. Anyone who spends time around them can protect babies by getting a flu vaccine.
Who should not get vaccinated?
Different flu vaccines are recommended for different groups of people. Your primary care provider can tell you which vaccine is best for you and your child. For more information, you can visit cdc.gov.
How is the vaccine made?
Two types of flu vaccines are available for children. The inactivated influenza vaccine is made with a killed (inactivated) flu virus. Anyone 6 months old and older and anyone with a chronic health problem can get the shot. The live attenuated influenza vaccine is made from a weakened strain of the virus and can be given by nasal spray to children over the age of 2 who are otherwise healthy. Two doses of the influenza vaccine are necessary the first year a child receives this vaccination if they are less than 9 years of age.
When should I get the vaccine?
Flu season typically starts in the fall and that is why it is important to get the vaccine as soon as it is available. It usually takes two weeks after getting a vaccine for your body to be fully protected against the flu.
Can I get the flu from the vaccine?
You can’t get the flu from the flu shot. You may have some mild side effects, such as soreness where you got a flu shot, headache or fever. For more information about side effects and vaccine safety, visit cdc.gov.
Where can I get the vaccine?
Contact your child’s pediatrician to make an appointment. Vaccines are also offered at health clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers. Participating BJC Healthcare locations will offer free seasonal flu shots for ages 6 months and up on select days in October. Visit the BJC Healthcare website to schedule an appointment.
If you would like information on the flu vaccine mailed or emailed to you, contact the Patient and Family Education Team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The Patient and Family Education Team is funded by generous donations to the St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation.
Find more ways to keep your child healthy and safe, courtesy of St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Call 314-454-KIDS (5437) to find a pediatrician or pediatric specialist, or to register for a class or event. Learn more at StLouisChildrens.org, member BJC Healthcare.
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