Health Alerts: Flu

The Importance of the Flu Shot

The flu can make kids very sick, but a yearly flu shot is one of the best ways to help protect them.

What Is the Flu?

The flu is a virus that spreads easily from person to person. It can affect the nose, throat and lungs and may cause serious illness, especially in young children. Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Extreme tiredness

What to Expect After the Flu Shot

• Mild soreness at the site of the shot
• Tiredness
• The flu shot cannot cause the flu, but you can get mild symptoms like fever or chills
• These effects usually start soon after the shot and go away on their own in a day or two

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should my child get a flu shot?
A flu shot is the best way to help protect your child from severe flu illness. Getting vaccinated every year can help children:

• Stay healthier throughout the season
• Miss fewer days of school and activities
• Help protect babies, grandparents and others who may be more vulnerable to serious illness

When does the flu shot start working?
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection against the flu. For the best protection, plan to get your child’s flu shot early in the season, ideally in September or October, before flu begins spreading widely in the community.

Can the flu shot give my child the flu?
No. The flu shot contains an inactive virus that cannot cause the flu. Some children may have mild soreness at the injection site or feel tired for a day or two, but the vaccine does not cause the flu.

How can I help a child who is nervous about shots?
A few simple steps can help make the experience easier:

• Bring a favorite toy, blanket or stuffed animal
• Listen to music, watch a video or play a game during the shot
• Offer a small reward afterward, such as a sticker
• Ask about using ice on the arm before the shot
• Talk with your child’s provider about ways to make vaccination more comfortable