Making plans for fall? Add flu shots for your kids to the list.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year’s flu season was moderately severe. The CDC estimates there were 31 million to 54 million flu cases in the United States. As many as 780,000 people were hospitalized because of the flu or flu-related problems.
Dr. Amy Cobb, an internal medicine and pediatrics doctor at University Health, explains how a yearly flu shot is still the best way to help prevent the flu and serious illness.
Children and the Flu
Thousands of children get sick with influenza, or flu, each year. Many children have mild symptoms, but the flu can be dangerous for others. Children are also more likely to get the flu than other age groups.
Health Problems From the Flu
Children are also at higher risk for flu-related complications. This is especially true for children younger than 5 and children with long-term health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
Most kids with the flu get better within a couple of weeks. But some children can have serious problems. These may include:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Seizures
- Swelling of the brain and heart.
Dr. Cobb says children with asthma are at higher risk of serious flu complications. They are more likely to need a hospital stay, oxygen or a breathing tube.
Even when the flu does not cause serious health problems, it can disrupt family life. Children may need to stay home from school, and parents may need to miss work to care for them.
The Flu Vaccine Is Safe for Kids
Dr. Cobb wants caregivers to know the flu vaccine is very safe for most healthy children.
“Some people think children with an egg allergy should not get the flu shot, but that is not always true,” Dr. Cobb says. “Only children who have had a severe allergic reaction after a flu shot should avoid it. If they have not had that reaction, the flu vaccine is safe and effective.”
Serious problems from the flu vaccine are rare. Most people get vaccinated without serious side effects. Getting a flu shot can also save lives.
The CDC says that among reported flu-related deaths in children during the 2024-25 season, about 90% were in children who were not fully vaccinated against the flu.
Babies as young as 6 months can get a flu shot. Children younger than 9 who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time need two doses. The second dose should be given at least 30 days after the first shot. After that, children only need one flu shot each year.
When Is a Good Time to Get Flu Shots?
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu shots in September or October. This gives the vaccine time to work before flu season starts. It also helps protect children through flu season.
The flu vaccine can become less effective over time. If children get vaccinated too early, they may have less protection later in the season. If they get vaccinated too late, they may not be protected when flu season begins.
“There is a saying, ‘flu before boo,’ so this is an ideal time frame for getting vaccinated,” Dr. Cobb says. Getting flu shots before Halloween can help protect children from infection and severe symptoms.
There are some exceptions. If your child has never had a flu shot before, they need two doses at least one month apart. Getting the first dose early in the season can help make sure your child is protected by the time flu season starts.
If your child cannot get vaccinated in September or October, it’s never too late. A flu shot is better than no flu shot, no matter when your child gets it.
The Benefits of Herd Immunity
Along with the yearly flu shot, it is important to keep up with your child’s vaccine schedule. This helps protect the whole community through immunity.
“Herd immunity” means many people in a community are protected from a virus. When more people are vaccinated, it makes it harder for the virus to spread. It also helps protect people who are more likely to get very sick or are unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons.
Babies who are too young for vaccines, older adults and people with serious health conditions are more likely to get very sick from illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19.
“Flu vaccines are the most effective way to protect children and the most vulnerable members of our community against serious illness,” says Dr. Cobb.
Flu Symptoms
If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad the symptoms can feel. They can be hard for adults. They can be even harder for children.
The flu can be mild or severe. Symptoms may include:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Congestion
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
Children with the flu are also more likely than adults to have vomiting or diarrhea with other flu symptoms.
Vaccinations at University Health
Get ahead of flu season by getting your kids flu shots. University Health offers the flu vaccine in several ways.
Make an appointment at one of our health centers in San Antonio. You can also visit walk-in vaccination hours at our pharmacies or schedule an appointment with your child’s primary care provider.
We also offer free flu shots during drive-thru flu shot events. Find details here, including dates for upcoming events.
