Influenza Vaccine
Vaccine schedule
-
Once a year
About influenza
The flu virus targets the airways and spreads easily. It passes from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or contact with nasal mucus or phlegm. Symptoms include a fever over 38 degrees Celsius, sore throat, headache, runny nose, cough, muscle aches, weakness, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
Every year, approximately 20% to 30% of children contract the influenza virus, serving as the primary source of transmission within the general population. Babies and children are at high risk of contracting the flu and developing complications such as pneumonia. In serious cases, the disease may even result in hospitalization and death. The risk of severe flu is even higher in children with heart diseases, respiratory diseases, and neurological diseases.
About the vaccine
The influenza vaccine is safe and effective, providing protection throughout a single winter. Every fall, a vaccine is produced against the strains of influenza viruses anticipated to be the most prevalent in the next year. The recommendation to get vaccinated is particularly essential for individuals who are at high risk for serious complications from influenza, especially infants and young children between six months and five years old.
Two types of the influenza vaccine
- Inactivated influenza vaccine—given to individuals aged six months and older.
-
Live attenuated influenza virus vaccine—given from the age of two to 49. In addition to providing systemic protection, this vaccine also offers local protection in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, where the virus enters the body. The live attenuated vaccine is not given to individuals with asthma, those with weakened immune systems, or pregnant women.
Vaccination schedule: every year in the fall, the vaccine is administered to second, third, and fourth-grade children in schools. In special education schools, the vaccine is administered from first grade to sixth grade. It is recommended to get vaccinated in September-October to be prepared for the winter.
How many doses are needed?
-
Children up to nine years old who haven't had the vaccine before should get two doses, with a four-week gap between the first and second dose.
-
For all any other age, only one dose is required.
| Type of vaccine | Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| Inactivated | Inactivated viruses | Until the age of 3—by injection to the thigh; from the age of 3—by injection to the arm |
| Live attenuated | Live attenuated viruses that cannot multiply at normal body temperature | Nasal spray |
Vaccine Safety
The flu vaccine is considered safe and effective. In the largest study of its kind in the United States, conducted from 2001 to 2003 and involving over 40,000 infants and toddlers aged 6 to 23 months, medical interventions after receiving the flu vaccine were studied. It was found that there were very few interventions, and none of them were serious.
When the flu vaccine should not be given
Flu vaccines cannot cause illness, and most children will be able to receive the flu vaccine.
Here are the cases when the vaccine should not be given:
-
If there is an illness accompanied by a high fever. In such a case, vaccination can only occur after recovery.
-
If the child has asthma, a chronic or ongoing illness, or has recently received flu treatment, it is advisable to consult with the nurse that gives the vaccine.
-
If there has been a past severe allergic reaction after receiving the flu vaccine (if the allergic reaction was mild, vaccination is permitted). However, if there is an allergy to milk, egg protein, or peanuts, vaccination is allowed.
Potential side effects and how to relieve them
A small portion of those who receive the influenza vaccine may develop side effects after getting it. However, these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within two or three days.
After getting the inactivated flu vaccine:
-
Redness, pain and swelling where the shot was given -
Fever -
Feeling unwell -
Hoarseness, coughing, eye irritation and itchiness
-
Redness and pain where the shot was given, along with local swelling or swelling in the entire limb: you can apply a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water to the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
-
Fever: a medication can be given to reduce fever and relieve pain.
-
Feeling unwell: headache, muscle pain, and fatigue; a medication can be given to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Hoarseness, coughing, eye irritation, and itchiness: these may persist for a day or two after the vaccine is given.
After getting the live-attenuated flu vaccine:
-
Runny nose, nasal congestion, headaches, throat ache, coughing, and nasal bleeding
Runny nose, nasal congestion, headaches, throat ache, coughing, and nasal bleeding: a medication can be given to reduce fever and relieve pain.
When to seek medical care at an HMO or medical center
- If your child is apathetic.
- If fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- If there are changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
- If any other phenomenon causes concerns.
If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school, please inform the school nurse or the school's healthcare provider.
Listing of healthcare providers by district
Transmission after vaccination
The vaccine is safe, but can someone who received the flu vaccine transmit it to others?
- Inactivated vaccine: made of dead viruses that cannot make one sick, and it is therefore impossible for anyone who was vaccinated to infect another person.
- Live attenuated vaccine: can be dangerous to people with a weakened immune system. In the event children receive a live attenuated vaccine, it is crucial that they avoid contact with people with a severely weakened immune system (i.e. they need to be in an environment that is free of bacteria and viruses) for 7 days after vaccination.