JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Doctors are encouraging those 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu after they saw vaccination rates drop last year.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fewer people received the flu vaccine during the 2023-2024 flu season and pediatric deaths rose. AAP says 193 children died during the last flu season -- the highest death toll among kids and adolescents since the 2019-2020 flu season, which saw 199 deaths.
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“A lot of the suffering we saw last year could have been prevented or at least lessened in severity by immunizing more kids with influenza vaccine,” said Kristina A. Bryant, M.D., FAAP, a member of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases and lead author of the flu policy statement and technical report.
Dr. Sunil Joshi, Jacksonville’s Chief Health Officer, reminds people it does take 10 to 14 days after you receive the flu vaccination to increase your immunity. So, if you get it now, you’ll be protected for 6 months -- which will get people through this year’s flu season.
If you have health insurance, your flu shot is covered 100%. If you don’t have health insurance, you can request a voucher from the #FluVaxJax campaign to get a free shot.
REQUEST A NO-COST FLU VACCINE VOUCHER | DON’T LET FLU SHOT MYTHS KEEP YOU FROM GETTING VACCINATED
The AAP recommends:
- Everyone age 6 months and older without medical contraindications be immunized with flu vaccine during the 2024-25 flu season, preferably by Oct. 31.
- The number of doses depends on the child’s age at first dose administration and influenza vaccination history. Children 6 months through 8 years of age who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time or who received only 1 dose prior to July 1,2024, or whose vaccination status is unknown should receive 2 doses of influenza vaccine at least 4 weeks apart. All other children should receive 1 dose this season.
- Influenza vaccine should be offered to children as soon as it becomes available, especially to those recommended to receive 2 doses, for best protection.
- Influenza vaccination is safe for the breastfeeding parent and infant.
The CDC says people at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant people, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.
Flu shots vs nasal spray for children
According to the Mayo Clinic, depending on your child’s age and health, you might be able to choose between the flu shot and the nasal spray flu vaccine.
Flu shot: Flu shots can be given to children 6 months and older. Side effects might include soreness, redness and swelling where the shot was given. A fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea and tiredness also can occur.
Nasal spray: The nasal spray flu vaccine can be given to healthy children 2 years and older. Side effects of the nasal spray in children might include a runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, a slight fever and a sore throat.
If your child is younger than age 9 and is getting the flu vaccine for the first time, your child may need two doses given at least four weeks apart. If your child is age 9 or older, one dose may be enough.
Flu vaccinations for those 65 and older
There are three specific flu vaccines preferably recommended for people 65 years and older: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent, or Fluad Quadrivalent. Studies show, for this age group, these vaccines are potentially more effective than standard dose unadjuvanted flu vaccines.
Flu vaccinations during pregnancy
According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnant women are more likely to develop flu complications, especially in the second and third trimesters. And flu infection also increases the risks of fetal birth defects – so it’s important to get a flu vaccine.
The CDC recommends those who are pregnant get the flu shot and not the nasal spray flu vaccine.