It’s still not too late to get the flu shot.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says, flu season usually peaks in January or February, but it can occur as late as May. Early immunization is the most effective, but it is not too late to get the vaccine in January, or beyond.
Also, for the first time, the CDC is recommending the nasal flu vaccine over the flu shot for children ages 2 to 8 years old. according to Dr. Nazha Abughali from the MetroHealth System.
Abughali says that flu strains change every year. This year, studies show that the mist is the live weakened vaccine, which is more protective for the young children.
Here are some things you need to know from the CDC, if you are thinking about getting a nasal spray flu vaccine including why some children shouldn’t get this type of vaccination.
Why should I get my child 2 through 8 years a nasal spray flu vaccine if it is available?
Recent studies suggest that the nasal spray flu vaccine may work better than the flu shot in younger children. Specifically in these studies, the nasal spray flu vaccine prevented about 50 percent more cases of flu than the flu shot in younger children.
What if my doctor does not have the nasal spray vaccine for my child 2 through 8 years old?
If the nasal spray vaccine is not immediately available, get the flu shot for your child to protect them from the flu. Don’t delay vaccination if you can’t find nasal spray flu vaccine.
Why might it be difficult to find nasal spray vaccine?
Typically, there are more flu shots and a smaller amount of nasal spray flu vaccines. If the nasal spray flu vaccine is not available or is not appropriate for your child, the flu shot is recommended.
Should all children 2 through 8 years old get the nasal spray vaccine?
No. Some children 2 through 8 years old should not get a nasal spray vaccine. This includes:
Children who are getting aspirin therapy, or taking medicines that contain aspirin;
Children who have a weakened immune system (immunosuppression);
Children with a history of egg allergy;
Children 2 through 4 years old who have had asthma or wheezing during the last 12 months;
Children who have taken influenza antiviral medications (for example, Tamiflu® or Relenza®) within the last 48 hours.
These children may be able to get a flu shot instead.
There are other precautions for the nasal spray vaccine:
Children with asthma who get the nasal spray may have an increased risk of wheezing
The safety of the nasal spray vaccine in children with other health conditions that put them at increased risk of serious flu complications (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, etc.) has not been established.
Can the nasal spray flu vaccine give my child the flu?
No. While the nasal spray flu vaccine does contain live viruses (unlike the flu shot, which contains killed viruses), the viruses in the nasal spray vaccine are weakened and cannot cause flu illness. The flu shot cannot cause flu illness either.
Can the nasal spray flu vaccine be given to my child when they are ill?
The nasal spray flu vaccine can be given to people with minor illnesses (e.g., diarrhea or mild upper respiratory tract infection with or without fever). However, if your child has nasal congestion (a “stuffy nose”), your doctor may suggest delaying vaccination until the nasal congestion has improved.
What side effects are associated with the nasal spray flu vaccine?
In children, side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. These side effects can sometimes be mistaken for the flu, however, they are usually mild and short-lasting, especially when compared to flu illness.
