THE flu is a respiratory disease highly contagious, caused by influenza viruses. It mainly affects the respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs) and can cause mild symptoms or serious complications, especially in vulnerable people such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women or people with chronic diseases. vaccine This is the most effective measure to prevent influenza and its complications, which can be serious, even fatal in some cases. And in the case of younger children, is the vaccine planned? These are the ages and where the vaccination schedule is applied.
Common symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Although most people recover within a few days, in some cases the flu can lead to pneumonia or other serious or even fatal complications. The most effective way to prevent this disease is annual vaccination, as influenza viruses mutate every year, and in the case of children, there is no doubt whether or not they can receive the vaccine since they can, even if Depending on the age group you belong to, the dosage may vary.. In this way, we will explain to you in detail below, What are the ages for children to receive the flu vaccine? as well as all the steps to follow regarding the number of doses that can be provided depending on each group.
Can children get the flu shot?
THE The flu vaccine is given every yearbecause the virus is constantly evolving and the composition of the vaccine must be adapted to the strains in circulation. The vaccine is recommended from 6 months, but not all children have the same indication nor the same type of vaccine.
According to the document approved by the Public Health Commission of the Ministry of Health this summerthe next flu vaccination campaign, which will start in Octoberwill understand, as happened during last year’s campaign, healthy babies and children from six months to five years of age This measure is based on scientific evidence which shows that children are the main transmitters of the virus and that their vaccination can reduce the impact of the epidemic on the whole population, in particular on the most vulnerable groups.
How is the flu vaccine given to children?
Healthy children of Children aged 6 to 59 months will be able to receive a single-dose vaccinehow good it will be an inactivated or intranasal injection of attenuated virus.
The vaccine injectable can be used in children from 6 months (the cellular vaccine from 2 years old), while the The intranasal vaccine can be given to people aged 2 to 49 yearsHowever, some people with underlying medical conditions should not receive the intranasal vaccine.
Where is the flu vaccine given?
The injectable vaccine applied to the arm or thighaccording to the age of the child. The dose is 0.5 ml in all cases. The vaccine intranasal It is called Fluenz Tetra and is applied by spraying 0.1 ml into each nostril.
It is usually administered only one dose per year. However, for children under 9 years of age receiving their first flu vaccine, two doses spaced one month apart are suggested.
Flu vaccination It is also recommended for children with health problems. that make them more susceptible to complications, such as moderate or severe asthma, diabetes, certain kidney diseases, immune system problems, neurological disorders that cause muscle weakness, significant obesity, ongoing treatment with certain medications, among others. As was the case last year, this year the respiratory and neurological consequences of COVID-19 have also been added to the list of indications, and vaccination is once again recommended for children and adolescents residing in institutions. The previous year, premature babies born before 32 weeks were includedfrom 6 months of life to their first 2 years.
Furthermore, Children and other partners of sick people must be vaccinated (children or adults) in whom this disease could be particularly dangerous, whether they themselves are vaccinated or not.
Side effects of the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. The most common side effects are mild and transient, such as pain and inflammation at the puncture site or low-grade fever. In rare cases, this can cause serious allergic reactions. The vaccine does not contain live virus and therefore cannot cause influenza.
