Flu Vaccinations

Influenza vaccinations also called flu vaccinations or simply flu shot are a form of inactivated vaccine taken once a year that contain either dead flu virus or live but weakened virus.

Seasonal flu vaccines are of two types. The injection type contains dead flu virus and the nasal spray vaccines which contain live but weakened version of the flu virus.

The injection flu vaccines are administered before the onset of the flu season as a single dose. Once injected into body muscle, it gets your immune system to produce antibodies that fight off the flu virus.

After taking the shot, flu vaccinations take about two weeks to get effective. Nonetheless, these vaccinations provide protection only against the flu virus and not against other infections.

The nasal spray flu vaccines that contain live but weakened flu virus is administered via a nasal spray. Moreover, these nasal spray flu vaccines are not recommended for people with severe complications from flu.

People in this risk group should consult with a registered medical practitioner for further advice on flu vaccinations.

Seasonal Flu Vaccination

The seasonal flu vaccination is administered at the start of the flu season (which varies with location) as there is a possibility of flu outbreaks.

Flu infection can create complications if not treated in the early stages and can prove to be life threatening. Flu vaccines are useful in maintaining control of the disease and to prevent and limit its spread.

Who should get Seasonal Flu Vaccinations?

• Individuals over the age of fifty
• Those suffering from chronic disease
• Suppressed immune system
• Pregnant women
• Children between age group six months and above
• Health workers and nurses

Flu Vaccine for Children

Flu has more severe symptoms than common cold. This holds true for small children to a greater degree. Every year, seasonal flu knocks heavily on the well being and health of children and their parents.

The flu vaccine for children gives adequate protection from serious diseases and complications that have a potential of proving fatal.

Children under age five who catch the flu need prompt medical care as they are at a high risk for complications such as pneumonia.

Small children under age two year group who are down with flu are more likely to attend an urgent care center or need to be hospitalized.

Side Effects of Flu Vaccinations

Flu vaccines are well tolerated by a majority of individuals receiving the shot. Nonetheless, small children are also exposed to milder side effects. But these generally subside within forty eight hours after getting vaccinated.

Side Effects of Flu Vaccinations in Children:

• A mild fever followed by aches that can last up to two days
• Sore, tender, swollen, red skin in and around the area of vaccination injection
• Mild headaches that last for twenty four hours at the most
• Experience chills for a duration lasting twenty four to forty eight hours
• Serious side effects such as temporary paralysis (known as Guillain Barre Syndrome or GBS) likely result from allergy to vaccine component.

Child given Nasal Spray Vaccinations can have:

All the side effects listed here are very mild and of short duration compared to flu.

• Wheezing
• Headache
• Fever
• Running nose
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting

It is very important to vaccinate children as they are in the high risk group prone to develop serious complications due to flu infection.