Is flu shot or mist better for kids?

Is flu shot or mist better for kids?

Both the flu shot and FluMist offer good protection against the flu. However, some children are not eligible for the nasal spray, particularly those under age 2. and its effectiveness compared with the traditional shot varies from year to year.

Should I let my child have the flu vaccine?

In most cases, yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu (influenza) vaccine for all children 6 months and older in the United States — ideally by the end of October. This year the CDC recommends the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Is nasal spray flu vaccine Safe?

The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is safe and effective. It’s offered every year to children to help protect them against flu. Flu is caused by the influenza virus. It can be a very unpleasant illness for children.

Is the FluMist safe?

Unlike injectable flu vaccine, FluMist contains live viruses. The viruses in the vaccine, which is puffed up a nostril of the recipient, initiate the infection process, thereby activating an immune response. But the viruses in the vaccine are weakened and don’t induce illness.

Is flu nasal spray safe for kids?

The nasal spray flu vaccine for children is very safe. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as: a runny or blocked nose. a headache.

Is the nasal spray flu vaccine a live virus?

The flu vaccine for children is a nasal spray (sprayed into the nose), not an injection. The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) contains live forms of flu virus which have been weakened (attenuated). These stimulate the immune system but do not cause disease in healthy people.

Should I get my child the flu shot?

Doctors recommend that your child get a flu vaccine every year in the fall, starting when he or she is 6 months old. Some children 6 months through 8 years of age may need 2 doses for best protection. CDC recommends a flu vaccine by the end of October, before flu begins spreading in your community.

Should I let my child have the flu nasal spray?

The nasal spray vaccine offers the best protection for children aged 2 to 17 years. They will be offered the flu vaccine injection if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them. Some children will be offered the injected flu vaccine if they have: a severely weakened immune system.