Can Young Children Receive a Flu Vaccine?

According to some estimates the influenza virus affects approximately 1 billion people each year all over the world. The influenza virus or flu can cause serious complications, and certain people groups have a higher risk of experiencing health complications as a result of the flu virus. At-risk groups include young children, older adults, and individuals that suffer from chronic conditions.

Each year, thousands of people die from pneumonia, cardiopulmonary conditions, and chronic diseases that are exacerbated by the flu virus. Young children can be especially vulnerable to the influenza virus, and for this reason parents should consider the VAXIGRIP Junior flu vaccination.

VAXIGRIP Junior –

VAXIGRIP Junior is an influenza vaccine that may be used to protect children ages 6 to 35 months from three types of influenza virus. This vaccine protects against influenza virus types A and B. Within 2 to 3 weeks of receiving VAXIGRIP Junior, the vaccine will begin to help the child’s body make antibodies that will protect them from the influenza virus for up to 12 months. Annual vaccinations are recommended for children ages 6 months or older that suffer from chronic conditions or are on long-term aspirin therapy. The flu vaccine is also suitable for anyone that wants to reduce their chances of contracting the influenza virus.

Administration and Side Effects –

Children between the ages of 6 and 35 months typically receive a single dose injection of.25 mL. The vaccine contains a flu virus that has been killed; therefore, the child will not become ill with the flu by simply receiving the vaccine. However, as with all medications, flu vaccines do carry risks of side effects. Mild side effects may include things such as redness or swelling around the injection site, fever, and headaches and should disappear within 1-2 days. More severe side effects that may need medical attention include: weakness in the arms or legs, swollen glands, shortness of breath, weak pulse, seizure, convulsion, or nerve pain.

VAXIGRIP Junior Warnings –

Certain allergies may preclude some children from receiving the vaccine. Children allergic to ingredients such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium phosphate (dibasic dihydrate), or potassium phosphate (monobasic) may not receive the VAXIGRIP Junior vaccine. Additionally, children that are allergic to eggs or egg products, chicken proteins, or the antibiotic neomycin should not receive the VAXIGRIP Junior vaccine.

If a child has recently had an infection or high temperature, the vaccination may need to be delayed until the child is in better health. A mild cold will generally not be a cause for delay.