Mayo Clinic pediatrician talks about influenza vaccine and children

Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to severe influenza-related illness. That’s why it’s important for both children and adults to get the seasonal flu vaccine, says Dr. Angela Macke, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center. It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective, so it’s important to get fully vaccinated before the holidays, she says.

Health experts say you should get the flu shot as soon as it becomes available in your area. This gives your body time to build up defenses against the flu.

“It takes two weeks for protection against the flu to be achieved, so any exposure to the flu during that time can cause an infection,” says Dr. Matoke.

And it could spread the virus. Dr. Mattke says vaccines do not completely prevent disease.

“It protects you from really serious complications, like having to go to the emergency room, having to be hospitalized, having to go to the ICU, or in serious situations, dying,” she said. says.

Two doses of influenza vaccine for some children

Some children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years may need two doses of the flu shot. It is important to work with your medical team.

“However, if it’s your infant’s first year of eligibility for the flu vaccine, you’ll likely receive two doses four weeks apart,” says Dr. Matoke.

If your child is afraid of vaccinations, there are alternatives to vaccination for some children. Influenza Mist is approved for ages 2 to 49 years.

The flu vaccine can save lives, she says.

“Especially in children, the flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of death by over 75%. So I want to do everything I can to protect my children from the flu as much as possible. ” says Dr. Matoke.

hand hygiene

In addition to vaccination, it is important to keep your hands clean and avoid contact with sick people to stay healthy and prevent the spread of disease. Help children learn when and how to wash their hands. Encourage people to wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after sneezing or coughing.