What is Influenza Vaccine?

Commonly known as 'Flue', influenza is an extremely infectious viral infection linked with the respiratory tract. The influenza vaccine ensures that your child stays protected against this viral infection.

Vaccine Schedule

Influenza vaccine is given via injection in the upper arm. It must be given in the month of October to May, which stands to be the time when flu spreads. It can be given to kids of age 6 months-4 year.

Why Your Child Needs This Vaccine?

Though the flu virus can affect the child even after immunization but a vaccinated kid will have lesser severity of symptoms as compared to the ones who haven't been given the influenza vaccine.

Risk Associated with the Vaccine

The child vaccinated with influenza vaccine is likely to have mild side effects such as soreness or swelling near the injected area or redness. In some cases there can even be a low grade fever and body ache. 

When not to give the vaccine

You should avoid or delay the vaccine, if your child: 

• Has had serious reaction to a flu vaccination
• Is sick and has fever

 

Child Care Post Vaccination

If your child has fever or is in pain, you can consult the doctor and get to know of the prescribed medicine that can be given to the child. To ease the soreness, place a warm damp piece of cloth or heating pad on the injected area. 

 

Can Influenza Vaccine be given with other vaccines?

There is no harm in giving the influenza vaccine at the same time as other vaccine, which can include  the pneumococcal vaccine.

 

When to seek medical help

You must speak to the doctor if you aren't sure whether the child should be given the vaccine or it has to be delayed. Also, if you observe any serious problems post the immunization, like allergy or high fever, or anything else that seems to be a matter of concern, report to the medical aid without causing any further delay.