Flu viruses (yes, there is certainly more than one seasonal flu virus) start showing up when the colder days of fall set it. If you're going to vaccinate, you really need to do it in early fall and not wait until winter is in full swing. But it's important to realize that not every child can or should get the flu shot. For example, my younger son has a medical condition for which he is medicated daily. Because of his medication, he cannot get the flu shot.
Of course, there are certain groups of children who could almost certainly benefit from the flu shot. These kids are generally those who are at the highest risk of serious illness. How do you know if your child is at risk? Talk to your health care provider. But, in general, if your child is between 6 and 24 months or has respiratory or immune problems (like some former preemies), you can consider your child at risk and may want to get him or her vaccinated against seasonal flu. There are also situations where you might want to have a child who is not at risk vaccinated. For example, everyone surrounding someone with immune problems should be vaccinated to protect the at risk person. Pregnant women are often vaccinated, as are those surrounding them. Consider this when making your decision.
Please note, however, that any child under 6 months of age should NOT be vaccinated against the flu. It's basically pointless because children this young have immune systems that are too immature to respond appropriately to the vaccine.
What can you do if you opt not to vaccinate your child against the flu? Well, everyone, vaccinated or not, should practice what I like to call flu etiquette. Teach your children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the fabric at their elbow and not into their hands. Wash hands with warm water and soap frequently and carry a hand sanitizer for those moments when water and soap are not available. Also, stay home when you're ill and have your children stay home from school when they're not feeling well. If everyone stayed home when they were ill, viruses would not spread they way they do now, so let the kids stay home when they're ill.
The choice to vaccinate against the season flu is up to you and should be discussed with your health care provider. Personally, I don't vaccinate either of my children against the flu (though they certainly are vaccinated against other things as per my pediatrician's recommendations). My younger child cannot be vaccinated and my older one never gets sick. Ever. While all the other children are out sick due to the flu or even chicken pox, he's outside playing like a whirling dervish. But there are children who should certainly be vaccinated, so talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of having your child vaccinated against the seasonal flu.
