As pediatricians, we strongly recommend that all children receive Influenza vaccine to prevent Influenza. Influenza (also known as the flu) is a virus that infects through the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs; the virus is highly contagious between people, as it is spread through respiratory secretions and transmitted by coughing, sneezing or talking. Typical symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, congestion, cough and runny nose and difficulty breathing. Some people who contract the flu will develop pneumonia and bronchitis, some needing hospitalization. Unfortunately, some people who contract the flu die each year. Over 100 children died as a result of Influenza last year.
The Influenza vaccine (flu vaccine) is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Children under 9 years old require 2 doses of vaccine separated by four weeks if they have never received a flu vaccine before. There are two versions of the vaccine available for children: nasal and injectable. Both versions are quadrivalent, which means they are made from 4 different strains of the Influenza virus.
The nasal vaccine (FluMist) is recommended for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49, and has the advantage of inducing a faster and possibly longer-acting immune response without requiring a shot. Recent studies indicate that children age 2-8 mount a better immune response to the nasal flu vaccine, so it is strongly recommended in that age group, as long as children do not have underlying lung disease. FluMist is made from inactivated live virus and is cultured in eggs. It is given as a nasal spray. Side effects include mild congestion and runny nose.
The injectable vaccine (known as a flu shot) is cultured in eggs as well, and the virus is then inactivated with the chemical formaldehyde. The flu shot can be used in any patients, and is the only form recommended for children 6 months to 2 years old, as well as elderly patients. Side effects from the flu shot include pain at the injection site, redness at the injection site, muscle aches or low grade fever.
Neither the FluMist or single dose vials of injectable Influenza vaccine contain Thimerosal.
Because the virus particles are completely inactivated, one cannot "get" flu from the flu vaccine.
The Influenza vaccine typically prevents about 70 of every 100 people who receive it from developing moderate to severe influenza infection. Protection levels vary year to year, depending on which Influenza viruses are circulating, and how closely matched the Influenza vaccine is to the circulating strains.
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