Flu Vaccines at Plymouth Pediatric
Flu season can wreak havoc during many families’ favorite times of year, including back-to-school, Halloween, and the winter holidays. It can mean sleepless nights, exhaustion, missed classes and events, and passing illness onto other family members. Anyone can get influenza, but children can become seriously ill, especially those who are very young or have certain underlying health conditions.
An annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your child and reduce the spread of influenza within your family and community. At Plymouth Pediatric Associates, we offer children’s flu shots for families in Plymouth, Sandwich, and throughout the South Shore.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
We recommend annual flu vaccination for most children ages 6 months and older. It is especially important for children at higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, including young children and those with certain chronic medical conditions.
Some children between 6 months and 8 years old may need two doses of flu vaccine during a flu season, depending on their vaccination history. Your pediatrician can determine the appropriate schedule for your child.
Parents and other household members should also stay up to date on their own flu vaccinations. Vaccinating the family can help reduce the chance of bringing influenza home to babies or other vulnerable family members.
When Should Children Get Their Flu Vaccine?
Because flu activity usually increases during the fall and winter, it’s best to make vaccination part of your family’s fall health routine. Ideally, eligible children should be vaccinated before influenza begins spreading in the community. However, getting vaccinated later can still provide protection while flu viruses continue circulating.
Flu vaccines are updated regularly to protect against influenza viruses expected to be common during the upcoming season, which is why children need a flu vaccination every year
What Are the Benefits of Flu Shots for Children?
Unfortunately, the pediatric flu vaccine can’t prevent every case of influenza, but it can reduce your child’s chances of becoming sick. If a vaccinated child does get the flu, vaccination can also help reduce the severity of the illness.
Flu vaccination can help:
- Reduce the risk of getting influenza
- Lower the risk of serious flu-related illness
- Reduce the likelihood of hospitalization
- Make illness less severe if your child does get the flu
- Help protect vulnerable family and community members
- Reduce flu-related missed school and activities
Children younger than 5, particularly those younger than 2, are among those at increased risk of developing serious complications from influenza. Annual vaccination gives their immune system added protection before exposure.
What Should Parents Expect During a Flu Vaccination Visit?
Getting a flu shot is usually quick and straightforward. Before vaccination, your child’s healthcare provider can review their vaccination history, allergies, and any previous reactions to vaccines. This is also an opportunity to ask questions about the pediatric flu vaccine or discuss any concerns you have.
Depending on your child’s age and vaccination history, the provider can also tell you whether your child needs one or two doses that season.
For children who are nervous about shots, preparing them ahead of time can help. Be honest that they may feel a quick pinch, but avoid making the vaccination seem frightening. Bringing a favorite toy, book, or other distraction can also make the experience easier.
What Side Effects Can Children Have After a Flu Shot?
Most side effects from children’s flu shots are mild and resolve on their own within a few days.
Your child may experience:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
These effects are generally much milder than influenza itself. The injectable flu vaccine cannot cause the flu.
Serious reactions to flu vaccination are rare. Your pediatrician can answer questions about your child’s individual health history and any previous vaccine reactions.
When Should You Contact Your Pediatrician?
If you have concerns about how your child is feeling after vaccination, Plymouth Pediatric Associates can help you decide what to do next. Seek immediate medical attention if your child develops signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe weakness, or widespread hives.
Contact your pediatrician if your child’s symptoms concern you, seem unusual, or aren’t improving as expected.
Why Choose Plymouth Pediatric Associates for Your Child’s Flu Shot?
Vaccination is an important part of your child’s overall preventive care. At Plymouth Pediatric Associates, our team provides evidence-based pediatric care and follows recommended childhood immunization guidelines. Your family has access to a team of pediatricians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other pediatric healthcare professionals who understand the needs of children at different ages and stages of development.
Plymouth Pediatric Associates offers convenient pediatric care at our Plymouth and Sandwich locations. Our Plymouth office is open seven days a week, and we provide care 363 days a year. We are also the Plymouth Region’s only Preferred Boston Children’s Hospital Primary Care practice, helping families access coordinated pediatric care close to home.
Where Can I Schedule a Flu Shot for My Child?
If your child is 6 months or older, now is a good time to make annual flu vaccination part of your family’s preventive healthcare routine.
Plymouth Pediatric Associates provides flu shots for children at our Plymouth and Sandwich, MA offices. If you’re unsure whether your child needs one or two doses this season, or if you have questions about vaccination, our pediatric team is happy to help!
Contact Plymouth Pediatric Associates to schedule your child’s flu vaccination today.