HomeAnswersPediatricsvaccinationIs it a must to get an annual flu vaccine shot every year for a child?

Is it advisable to get an annual flu vaccine shot every year for a child?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At January 12, 2019
Reviewed AtJanuary 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a few doubts regarding annual flu vaccine. Is it a must to get an annual vaccine shot every year? Is it mandatory for kids? What will be the effect if we miss the dose a year? As all the doctors are not suggesting the vaccine, I am confused whether should I get it for my 5-year-old son or not. He used to get cold and cough often till 4 years. But he is quite fine for the last six months without severe cold or a cough. Please clear my doubts.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Flue vaccines are annual because every season there is change is strains of Virus. WHO notify six monthly which strain to be used for next shot. It is not a mandatory vaccine, but it is optional. I usually recommend to my patients if they have poor immunity. Baby born premature, asthma, recurrent respiratory infections, repeated hospital admissions, on chronic medications, poor immune state (nephrotic syndrome, TB, HIV), if swine flu is endemic in that geographic area. If the baby is healthy, no above risk factor, then you can exercise not to give. As flu is air born disease and kids are in general high-risk population, I would recommend. It will be safer to give.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

As informed early, my son used to get a cough soon after a few kinds of foods like a cream biscuit, sticky chocolate, etc., (but not for ice-cream). When he was 4 years old, a chest physician diagnosed that he has hypersensitivity airway disease and he had Montelukast for a period of 15 days. But no treatment after that. Should I follow any doctor for this condition? Is flu vaccine must for my son? He had not got the annual flu vaccine even once since birth apart from normal vaccines as per government chart.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Hypersensitivity airway disease is considered the high-risk group for an airborne disease. If you follow up with the doctor (Pediatrician) nearby, it will be better just to assess chest condition. Due to increased air pollution, it is an add-on risk factor for respiratory infections. I usually recommend my patients to take flu vaccine to be on safer side. If your child did not require flu vaccines previously, that is great. And if you can take care of hygiene (even at school, which is difficult) and his immunity is well maintained then you can keep it optional.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Bhaisara Baraturam Bhagrati
Dr. Bhaisara Baraturam Bhagrati

Pediatrics

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