An influenza vaccine, commonly called a flu shot, is produced each year and released in the United States in September. Getting a flu shot can help prevent a child from getting the influenza virus, also called the flu, or having serious complications from the flu.

The flu shot is different every year, so children need to receive a flu shot yearly. La eficacia de la vacuna depende del grado de similitud de las cepas de gripe incluidas en la vacuna y las cepas que circulan en una comunidad. La efectividad de la vacuna contra la gripe también puede variar de una persona a otra, según factores como la edad y el estado de salud. La vacuna contra la gripe está disponible para niños a partir de los 6 meses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccines for children starting at 6 months old. Children between age 6 month and 8 years who are getting the flu shot for the first time should get two doses of the vaccine, according to the CDC.

“It’s important to have children protected against the flu virus before flu season starts, because building antibodies typically takes a couple of weeks after vaccination,” said Kristina K. Bryant, M.D., pediatric infectious diseases specialist with Norton Children’s Infectious Diseases, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. “Flu vaccines are safe and offer protection against the most common strains of the virus.”

Where to Get Your Child a Flu Shot

Vacunas contra la gripe para niños de 6 meses en adelante

Flu Shots for Children Over Age 2 Years