The flu season is here again. Many don’t realize how dangerous the flu can be. It causes thousands of deaths in the United States every year. It is important as parents to protect your children from the flu by getting them vaccinated  before the flu starts circulating in your community. Everyone around  kids should be vaccinated too.

What types of influenza vaccines are available ?

There are 2 types of vaccines available for the 2019-2020 flu season. The first one is what many people call the flu shot and the second one is the nasal spray. All the vaccines available this year contain all the four influenza viruses , two A and two B  viruses. Vaccines for adults will contain three or four viruses.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine . Both types of available flu vaccine (flu shot or nasal spray) can be given according to their indications, with no preference, for the 2019 -2020  flu season.

Which type of flu vaccine should my child get ?

It is recommended by the AAP that children 6 months and older should get their flu vaccine ideally by the end of October. This is to ensure that the protection is on place when the flu virus starts circulating  in the community.

The AAP also recommends that any licensed vaccine available this year and appropriate for the child’s age and health status should be given with no preference .

It is important to get your child vaccinated early.