Facts about Flu Shots for Kids As children grow into adulthood, their body systems are also developing. A child’s immune system is not yet fully developed. This is why vaccines or flu shots for kids are given to them so that their immune system will have the help it needs in combating disease causing pathogens. This article will give you an overview about flu shots for kids and its benefits.
Flu shots benefits Flu shots for kids protect young children who are more vulnerable to flu and flu complications such as pneumonia. It is estimated that an average of 20000 children under the age of five are hospitalized in the United States because of flu. Flu shots help in protecting children from being susceptible to serious illnesses that would often become fatal if not treated properly. These shots contain minute amounts weakened or killed pathogens that will be introduced to the child’s body system. Since these pathogens are very minimal in amount, the body will be able to handle them and identify them. The body will then develop anti-bodies for these pathogens so that when the pathogens are re-introduced, they are already ready to combat them.
When to administer flu shots for kids? Flu shots for kids must be administered to children who are at least six months of age. It is recommended that the shots be given during the fall season because this will allow the body to develop enough immunity before the flu season occurs during the winter time. Why do we need to get vaccinated yearly? Unlike other vaccines that are given only once in a lifetime, flu shots for kids need to be given on a yearly basis. This is because the flu virus strains are evolving and new strains of the flu virus are being discovered every year. Flu shots for kids are also being modified every year to include the latest strains of flu virus.
How are flu shots for kids administered? Children six months to eight years of age and who are being vaccinated for the first time need to get two doses of flu vaccine given one month apart. Most children who have been given previous shots may be given a single dose on a yearly basis. The normal administration of flu shots is through intra-muscular injection. However, children who have no history of asthma or wheezing may be given the flu shots through a nasal spray version.
Source: Facts about Flu Shots for Kids