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Influenza Vaccine
Vaccine schedule
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Once a year
About Influenza
The influenza virus attacks the respiratory tract and is highly contagious. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with nasal secretions or phlegm. Symptoms include a fever above 38 degrees, sore throat, headache, runny nose, cough, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Every year, 20%–30% of children get the flu, and they are the main source of transmission in the general population. Infants and children are at high risk of getting the flu and developing complications such as pneumonia. In severe cases, the illness can lead to hospitalization and even death. The risk of severe flu is even higher among children with heart disease, respiratory diseases, and neurological conditions.
More information about the flu
The Influenza Vaccine
The flu vaccine is considered safe and effective and provides protection for one flu season. Therefore, it is recommended to get vaccinated again every year. Each year, the vaccine is adapted to the flu strains expected to be common during the upcoming flu season. Vaccination is especially important for people who are at risk of flu complications, including infants and children from 6 months to 5 years of age.
There are 2 types of flu vaccine
- Inactivated influenza vaccine - given from 6 months of age and older.
- Live attenuated influenza virus vaccine - given from age 2 through age 49. In addition to systemic protection, this vaccine also provides local protection in the lining of the nose and mouth, where infection with the virus occurs. The live attenuated vaccine is not given to people with asthma, people with weakened immune systems, or pregnant women.
Vaccination schedule: Starting in the fall each year, the vaccine is available through HMOs and is given at school to children in Grades 2, 3, and 4. In special education, the flu vaccine is given in Grades 1 through 6. It is recommended to get vaccinated in September–October to be protected before winter.
How many doses are needed:
- Children up to age 9 who have not been vaccinated before need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart.
- Each year after that, only one dose is needed.
| Vaccine type | Vaccine composition | How the vaccine is given |
| Inactivated | Inactivated viruses | Up to age 3, by injection into the thigh; from age 3, by injection into the arm |
| Live attenuated | Live attenuated viruses that cannot replicate at internal body temperature | By nasal spray |
Vaccine Safety
The flu vaccine is considered safe and effective. In the largest study of its kind in the United States, conducted between 2001 and 2003 and involving more than 40,000 infants and toddlers aged 6–23 months, researchers examined visits for medical care after flu vaccination. The study found that there were very few visits, and none were serious.
When the Flu Vaccine Is Not Given
Flu vaccines cannot cause the disease, and most children can receive a flu vaccine.
These are the cases in which the vaccine is not given:
- If there is an illness accompanied by a high fever. In this case, vaccination can be given only after recovery.
- If the child has asthma, a chronic or ongoing illness, or has recently received treatment for the flu, it is recommended to consult the nurse administering the vaccine.
- If the child previously had a severe allergic reaction after receiving a flu vaccine (if the allergic reaction was mild, the vaccine may be given). However, if the child has an allergy to milk, egg protein, or peanuts, the vaccine may be given.
Possible Side Effects After Vaccination and How to Relieve Them
Side effects may occur after vaccination. Most are mild and go away on their own within a day or two. The side effects vary depending on the type of vaccine given.
Common side effects:
- Swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area, and avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Feeling generally unwell: Headache, muscle aches, and tiredness may occur. You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Occasional side effects:
- Hoarseness, cough, eye irritation, or itching: These side effects usually go away within a day or two.
Common side effects:
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Headache or sore throat: You can give medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Cough: Monitoring is recommended.
Occasional side effects:
- Nosebleed: Monitoring is recommended.
When to Contact Your HMO or a Medical Center After Vaccination
- If your child seems apathetic.
- If a fever does not go away within 24–48 hours.
- If changes in appetite or eating patterns do not go away within 24–48 hours.
- If seizures occur. They are usually related to a rise in body temperature, but it is important to seek medical attention.
- If you notice anything that causes you concern or worry.
If your child experienced any side effects after receiving the vaccine at school, please report them to the school nurse or the school health provider.
List of health providers by region
Transmission After Vaccination
As noted, the vaccine is safe for those who receive it, but can they infect others after vaccination?
- Inactivated vaccine: Since it is made from inactivated viruses that cannot cause disease, there is no possibility that a vaccinated person can infect another person.
- Live attenuated vaccine: People who receive this vaccine may pose a risk to a person with severe immunosuppression. Therefore, if your child received a live attenuated vaccine, it is important that they avoid contact with people who have severe immunosuppression (meaning they require an environment protected from viruses and bacteria) for 7 days after vaccination.