Should my baby have the flu vaccine?
Chances are your baby’s grandparents will get their flu vaccinations as winter approaches, knowing they are at greater risk of complications. However, you may not be aware that your baby is also at risk.
Before the age of two, children’s immune systems are still developing, and they can have problems feeding if they become congested and possibly become dehydrated. “They can also struggle to cough up phlegm – especially under six months, but right up until two years,” says Cape Town paediatrician Dr Paul Sinclair.
Children under age five are also at greater risk of complications from flu, such as high fevers, convulsions, pneumonia and bacterial infections. If they are in a crèche, playgroup or preschool, around a lot of others with developing immune systems, infections can spread like wildfire and keep recurring as different strains strike.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US advise a yearly flu shot for all children aged six months and older. Ask your health professional about having your little one vaccinated, especially if they:
- Were born premature
- Have a chronic heart or lung problem such as asthma
- Have a condition that weakens the immune system, such as cancer, HIV/Aids or treatment involving immune suppression
- Have diabetes or other metabolic conditions
- Have kidney disease
- Have anaemia or other blood disorders
- Have been admitted to hospital previously with a lower respiratory tract infection, wheeze, etc.
- Are obese
- Live with other children or adults at risk of complications from flu
Does the flu vaccine have dangerous side effects?
Flu vaccine is safe and cannot induce flu, as some moms fear. “There are different types of flu vaccines, but the standard injectable vaccines here in South Africa are inactivated viral component vaccines,” says Sinclair.
The only side effects are possible slight discomfort and redness at the site of the vaccination for a day or so, and occasionally low-grade fever. However, do not give your child pain medication just before their shot, as it may affect how well the vaccine works. “It is fine to give it after the event as needed,” Sinclair says.
“Caution should also be taken with babies with egg allergy – it is best discussed with your doctor before proceeding,” adds Sinclair.
Should your baby have the flu vaccine if they are younger than 6 months?
They should not have a flu shot. “The vaccine is not recommended as maternal antibodies that were passed across the placenta are protective of the baby for six to nine months,” says Sinclair. A single dose of influenza vaccine would also be ineffective, as it would be destroyed by the maternal antibodies before it could allow the baby’s immune system to develop its own set of antibodies. “Hence pregnant women are advised to have both the influenza and pertussis vaccines in the last trimester."
Ways you can protect your young baby against flu
There are other things you can also do to help protect your baby:
- Breastfeed, as breast milk has antibodies that boost the immune system, and other good nutrition
- Ensure baby does not come into contact with those who are ill and suffering with flu
- It is a good idea for those who care for your baby to get vaccinated: “It is a cost-effective means of protection for the whole family, especially for kids in crèche,” says Sinclair
- Limit the spread of germs by encouraging regular hand washing
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