Influenza (Flu) Vaccination

Important vaccination information for parents

Age
Annually from 6 months of age
Duration
~10-15 minutes
Performed by
Pediatrician

What happens during this examination?

  • Injection into thigh (infants) or upper arm (older children).
  • Live attenuated nasal spray vaccine is available for children 2-17 years (Fluenz Tetra/FluMist).
  • Protects against seasonal influenza viruses (updated annually based on WHO recommendations).
  • First dose for children <9 years: two doses (4 weeks apart) in their first flu season.
  • Annual single dose thereafter.

Preparation Tips

  • Schedule vaccination in October-November before flu season starts.
  • Bring the vaccination record booklet.
  • For nasal spray: child should not have severe nasal congestion on day of vaccination.

Questions for your doctor

  • Can flu vaccine cause the flu? (No, inactivated vaccines cannot cause flu)
  • Is nasal spray vaccine effective? (Yes, similar to injection)
  • Why does my child need flu vaccine every year? (Viruses change each year)

When to call the doctor

  • Severe allergic reaction to previous flu vaccine or component (egg proteins, gelatin, antibiotics).
  • Children with severe egg allergy can still receive flu vaccine in medical setting.
  • Moderate/severe acute illness with fever (postpone).
  • For nasal spray: severe asthma, immunocompromised, pregnancy, receipt of antiviral drugs within 48 hours.

Parent Tips

  • Flu vaccine reduces doctor visits by 50-75% and hospitalizations by 70% in children.
  • Children are major spreaders of flu (transmit to parents, grandparents, infants).
  • Common side effects: injection site pain (injection), runny nose/nasal congestion (nasal spray), mild fever.
  • Hand hygiene and cough etiquette complement but do not replace vaccination.
  • STIKO recommends flu vaccination for all children with underlying conditions, and supports universal vaccination as individual health decision.

Vaccination Schedule

According to the STIKO recommendation, this vaccination is given at: Annually from 6 months of age

Always consult your pediatrician for individual advice.
Back to Guides