With flu season upon us, the question of whether children should receive the flu shot is a critical one for parents. While the flu is a very common seasonal illness, the flu can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children. Because of this, healthcare professionals recommend that all children over 6 months old receive their annual flu vaccine. The flu shot has limited risks associated with it and is proven to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even death caused by the flu.
If your child is sick and you are concerned that they may have the flu, AFC Urgent Care Waltham is here to help. Our clinic offers same-day illness care in addition to flu shots available for the whole family on a walk-in basis. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care, our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm.
Why it’s Important to Get the Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine has become standard practice in recent years. This is because the flu poses a severe health risk, even to healthy individuals. The flu is a viral infection, meaning that it is extremely contagious from person to person and cannot be treated with medications such as antibiotics. This means that prevention is the most effective way to reduce severe cases of the flu.
Children are particularly vulnerable to developing severe complications from the flu, including pneumonia and dehydration. Young immune systems are still developing, making children more susceptible to catching and spreading the virus to others or those with compromised immune systems. Getting your child vaccinated against the flu not only helps protect your child but also contributes to community immunity by reducing the overall spread of the flu. In addition, the flu vaccine can reduce the likelihood of missed school days and help lessen the burden on healthcare systems during flu season.
When Should Your Child Get Their Flu Shot?
Generally speaking, everyone should get vaccinated against the flu annually. The best time to get the flu vaccine is before flu season reaches its peak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children be vaccinated by the end of October, as it takes about two weeks for the body to build full immunity after the shot. Flu season typically peaks between December and February, but it can start as early as October and last until May.
It is important to get the flu shot before peak flu season because of how the flu shot works to protect you. The flu shot introduces your body to a dead flu virus. This exposure allows your body to build up defenses against the flu, making it prepared to effectively fight off the flu virus should you encounter it during the flu season.
Before Getting the Flu Vaccine
Before getting the flu vaccine, it's important to ensure your child is healthy and has no current illness or fever. This is because it could interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine. Their immune system needs to be able to focus on creating antibodies against the flu, rather than fighting off another infection.
Discussing potential allergies or past adverse reactions to vaccines with your child's healthcare provider prior to your child receiving the flu vaccine is also a good idea. If your child has a known egg allergy or severe reactions to previous flu shots, they may not be eligible to receive the flu shot. While the flu shot is a safe and effective way to reduce illness, monitoring your child for any unusual reactions after vaccination is important. If your child experiences a high fever, difficulty breathing, or any signs of an allergic reaction you should seek urgent care services immediately. Prompt medical attention can help manage severe symptoms and prevent further complications.
Visit AFC Waltham for Flu Shots Available on a Walk-In Basis in Waltham, MA
If you’re in search of a convenient location to get your family vaccinated against the flu this fall, AFC Urgent Care Waltham is here to help! Our walk-in clinic offers flu shots on a walk-in basis 7 days a week. The flu shot is an effective way to prevent severe illness caused by the flu, which is why our clinic makes it easy to get your flu shot when it’s convenient for you. Simply walk into the clinic today for your flu shot!
