Flu Shot for Kids: What Philadelphia Parents Should Know This Season
Every child 6 months and older should get a flu shot each fall, because flu viruses keep changing and last year's protection fades. A yearly flu vaccine lowers your child's chances of getting sick and, more importantly, of getting seriously sick, and we offer it during flu season at our Philadelphia office as part of our immunization services.
Why does my child need a new flu shot every year?
There are two reasons a single flu shot is not enough.
- The virus shifts. Influenza strains change from one season to the next. Each year's vaccine is reformulated to match the strains expected to spread most.
- Immunity wears off. The protection from a flu shot drops over the months after vaccination. By the next fall, it may be too low to count on.
That is why flu vaccine appears on our well visit schedule every flu season, starting at the 6-month visit and continuing through the teen years.
Are kids really at risk from the flu?
Yes. Flu is not just a bad cold for children. Kids catch and spread flu easily at school, day care, and home, and each season thousands of children in the U.S. are hospitalized.
Children at higher risk of complications include:
- Children younger than 5, and especially those under 2
- Children with asthma or other lung conditions
- Children with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a weak immune system
- Children with neurologic or developmental conditions
Complications can include pneumonia, dehydration, ear and sinus infections, worsening asthma, and, rarely, inflammation of the heart or brain. Healthy children with no medical conditions can also become seriously ill, which is why the vaccine is recommended for every child 6 months and older.
If your child already has flu symptoms, our Is Your Child Sick?® tool can help you decide what to do next, and our sick visit team works to see ill children the same day you call.
Why do some kids under 9 need two doses?
The first time a young child's immune system meets the flu vaccine, one dose is often not enough to build strong protection. The second dose acts like a booster.
Children 6 months through 8 years usually need two doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, if they have never had a flu vaccine before or have had fewer than two doses in total before this season. Children who have already had two or more doses in past seasons usually need just one. Children 9 and older need one dose each year.
Because the doses must be spaced out, children who need two should start early in the season so they are fully protected before flu peaks. Tell us if your child got a flu shot somewhere else, so we can check their history.
What side effects can my child have after a flu shot?
Most children have no side effects at all, or mild ones that pass within a day or two:
- Sore arm, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Low-grade fever
- Feeling tired or a little cranky
- Mild headache or body aches
A cool cloth on the arm, extra fluids, and rest usually help. Check our Medicine Dosages page or call us before giving fever medicine so we can confirm the right dose for your child's weight. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
What are the most common flu shot myths?
Myth: The flu shot can give my child the flu
Fact: The flu shot is made from inactivated virus or a single viral protein. It cannot cause influenza. A sore arm or low fever is the immune system responding, not an infection.
Myth: My child is healthy, so they don't need it
Fact: Many children hospitalized with flu had no prior health problems. Vaccinating healthy kids also helps protect babies under 6 months and other family members who are more vulnerable.
Myth: My child got the flu shot and still got sick, so it doesn't work
Fact: No vaccine is perfect, and many other viruses cause flu-like symptoms. Vaccinated children who do catch the flu tend to have milder illness and fewer complications.
Myth: It's too late in the season to bother
Fact: Flu can circulate well into spring. Getting vaccinated later is still better than skipping the season.
When should my child get the flu shot?
Early fall is ideal, ideally by the end of October, but vaccination still helps later in the season. If your child is due for a well visit during flu season, we can give the flu vaccine at that visit. Otherwise, call us to schedule a flu shot. Bring any vaccine records from other offices so we can tell whether your child needs one dose or two.
Frequently asked questions
Can babies under 6 months get a flu shot?
No. Babies are too young for the vaccine until 6 months. The best way to protect them is for everyone around them who is eligible to get vaccinated.
How long does it take for the flu shot to work?
Protection builds over about two weeks after the shot. For children who need two doses, full protection comes about two weeks after the second dose.
Can my child get the flu shot with a cold?
A mild illness, like a runny nose, is usually not a reason to wait. If your child has a fever or seems quite sick, call us first and we will help you decide.
Can my child get a flu shot with other vaccines?
Yes. The flu vaccine can be given at the same visit as other routine vaccines.
Where can I learn about the vaccines my child receives?
Our Immunizations page links to vaccine information statements, and our Vaccine Policy explains our approach.
Key takeaways for families
A flu shot for kids is a yearly step for every child 6 months and older, because flu strains change and protection fades. Young children and kids with chronic conditions face the highest risk of complications, but healthy kids can get very sick too. Side effects are usually mild and short. Some children under 9 need two doses 4 weeks apart, so starting early matters. Advocare Society Hill Pediatrics serves families in Philadelphia, PA. To schedule your child's flu shot, call 215-545-8188 or book your appointment online.
