The short answer is yes, they do! Not having your child vaccinated could potentially place them in real danger. It is estimated that over 20,000 children under the age of five years are hospitalized each flu season. This is because children are at a greater risk of catching the flu and having complications than any other group. This is especially so in school or childcare where a flu shot is very important to protect your child and any other children they come into contact with.
Kids that are at the greatest risk and need to be vaccinated include any children with the following chronic health conditions:
Every year the flu virus mutates and there is a different strain, so each year new enhanced vaccines that are developed to target the new strain that you are likely to encounter which is why it is important to have a new flu shot at the start of every flu season. This is at the end of April to the end of May, but this can vary so even if you are late getting the family flu shots it is still important to have that protection.
Unborn and pregnant women are also considered to have a high risk of developing severe complications so are advised to have an early vaccination and those women who are likely to become pregnant during the flu season are also advised to become covered by having a flu shot.
Once your child is vaccinated, it will take 2 weeks before they are fully protected from influenza so consult your child’s doctor if you suspect there are any complications such as your child not feeling well or if they have an egg allergy or any other condition that you think may affect them.
If you do not have your child vaccinated: