Your Child and the Flu Shot

It comes around every year, and every year we try to protect our children from it: flu season. The flu can be a very dangerous disease in general, but especially for smaller children. The only way to protect you and your child from coming down with the flu is to get vaccinated. So, what do you need to know about getting your child a flu shot? We’ll help you out.

First off, it’s important to get your child a flu shot each year once they become old enough because the flu viruses are constantly changing. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children six months and older get a seasonal flu shot. This significantly decreases the risk of your child developing symptoms of the flu. When your child is between the ages of six months and 8, there are special instructions to follow when it comes to the flu vaccine per the CDC.

  • If your child is getting a flu shot for the first time or if they’ve only had one flu shot, they’ll need to get two doses.
  • After the first dose, the second dose should be given at least 28 days after.
  • Begin the process early because it usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to kick in.

Everyone is at risk for getting the flu without the vaccination, but some are more at risk than others. Children younger than 6 months old, children from 6 months to 5 years old, American Indian and Alaskan Native children, and children aged 6 months through 18 years old with chronic health issues are especially at risk. Parents with children that have asthma, heart disease, blood disorders (like sickle cell disease), or other chronic diseases should pay close attention to their child’s flu vaccine schedule.

While most people suffer from the flu from December through February, there have been cases reported as early as October. This means it’s good to have your child vaccinated as early as October, especially because it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body after getting the shot.

Stay tuned to our website or Facebook page for the announcement of our Flu Clinic dates through October!

If you’re looking for a place to vaccinate your child, we’d be happy to help. Pediatric Partners now has three locations to better serve its patients. The Evans office is located at 411 Town Park Blvd., the downtown Augusta office is located at 1303 d’Antignac Street, Suite 2600, and the new Grovetown office is located at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, please feel free to call the office at 706-854-2500 or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.