The main reasons why it is worth vaccinating your child against influenza:
1. CHILD PROTECTION
Vaccination protects your child against influenza and its serious complications, such as painful ear infections, bronchitis or pneumonia.
2. PROTECTION OF PARENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Thanks to vaccination, your child will not be a source of infection and will protect others incl. relatives who may have weaker immunity against influenza.
3. EASE OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE VACCINE
The flu vaccine is available as an injection or as a nasal spray.
4. THE RISK OF DISEASE IS HIGH
Last season, among the reported cases and suspected cases of influenza, approximately 25% concerned children up to 4 years of age, and approximately 50% concerned children up to 15 years of age.
5. VACCINES CAN BE ADMINISTRATED WITH OTHER VACCINES
The flu vaccine can be administered at the same visit with any other vaccine.
6. VACCINES ARE SAFE
The injectable vaccine contains purified flu virus proteins or killed flu viruses, while the intranasal vaccine contains weakened flu viruses. Therefore, vaccines cannot cause influenza. After vaccination, some people may experience mild and short-lasting side effects as a reaction to the vaccine.
VACCINATION SCHEDULE:
The injectable vaccine can be given from the age of 6 months, and the intranasal vaccine can be given to the child from the age of 24 months until the child turns 18 years of age. A child who is under 9 years of age and has not yet received two doses of the flu vaccine (they do not have to be given in one season) should receive 2 doses given 4 weeks apart.