It’s time to get flu shots for kids. Pediatricians are gearing up for the upcoming flu season, which typically runs from October through May.

Published: October 19, 2022 | Updated: September 5, 2024

Pediatricians at Norton Children’s Medical Group are gearing up for the upcoming influenza (flu) season, which typically runs from October through May. 

While already high levels of COVID-19 are circulating in our communities, the flu and other respiratory viruses (such as RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus) are expected to rise again this year as they typically do seasonally.

Pediatricians are urging families to get their kids vaccinated for both COVID-19 and flu. It is safe to get both vaccines at the same time. If an RSV vaccine is available and it is recommended, it can be given too. In newly released guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends children receive their flu vaccinations by the end of October. This includes all eligible kids ages 6 months and older.

Even otherwise healthy children can end up in the hospital with flu. About 80% of pediatric flu deaths occur in children who are not vaccinated.

Patients at highest risk for complications from the flu include those with lung conditions from being born prematurely, those with asthma or those with reactive airway disease, a condition where asthma is suspected but not yet confirmed. Those with neurologic and neurodevelopmental conditions, such as seizures or cerebral palsy, are also at risk, as are those with chronic medical conditions like obesity, diabetes or a history of immunosuppression.

Flu symptoms in kids

Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue

The best protection you can give to your child to prevent the flu is a flu vaccine. While the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, any protection against the flu is better than no protection. This year’s vaccine for children offers protection against three of the major influenza strains expected to circulate this season.

Who should get a flu shot?

• All children ages 6 months and older
• All caregivers and household contacts to help provide protection for those who can’t receive influenza vaccine due to age (less than 6 months) or those with high-risk medical conditions

When should my child get a flu shot?

• The CDC recommends vaccinating as soon as flu vaccine is available (or whenever eligible in the case of infants less than 6 months of age).
• Although peak flu season is January through March, flu season can start in early October.
• Typically, the flu vaccine takes two weeks before it is effective. It is important to vaccinate before influenza is known to be circulating in the community.
• Children who are eligible may receive a flu vaccine, RSV vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

How many flu shot doses does my child need?

• Children 6 months to 8 years old who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time or who have received only one previous dose of influenza vaccine should receive two doses of influenza vaccine this flu season. The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the initial dose.
• All children ages 9 and older need only one dose of influenza vaccine for this flu season.
• A child may receive the flu vaccine in the form of a shot in the arm (or leg) or spray in the nose.

Justin M. Morgan, M.D., FAAP, is a pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical Group.