Vaccination remains the best method for preventing flu and its potentially severe complications in children. There are two types of vaccines that protect against the flu. The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) approved for use among people 6 months of age or older, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease). The nasal-spray flu vaccine (sometimes referred to as LAIV for Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine or FluMist®) contains attenuated (weakened) live viruses, and is administered by nasal sprayer. It is approved for use only among healthy* people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant. Children under 6 months old can become very sick from the flu, but they are too young to get a flu vaccine. The best way to protect young children is to make sure that their household members and their caregivers are vaccinated. Children 6 months to 9 years of age getting a flu shot for the first time will need two doses of vaccine the first year they are vaccinated, with the first dose ideally being given in September. The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the first dose. The first dose "primes" the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Keep this in mind if your child needs the two doses – begin the process early. It usually takes about two weeks after the second dose for protection to begin.
Vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available. Though it varies, the flu season can last as late as May and sporadic cases of flu occur year round. For more information, see http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm.
* "Healthy" indicates persons who do not have an underlying medical condition that predisposes them to influenza complications.
**The most up-to-date influenza surveillance summaries can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivity.htm.
reference: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/season.htm
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