Flu shots: Do children need them?

Although not all children need flu shots (influenza vaccine), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu shots for:

• Infants between the ages of 6 months and 2 years
• Children at increased risk of complications from influenza, such as those with asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia and kidney disease

The CDC also recommends flu shots for all caregivers and close household contacts of children who meet these criteria. This reduces a child's potential exposure to the influenza virus.

Initially, children need two doses of influenza vaccine given one month apart. But in subsequent years, they only need one dose. The best time to get a flu shot is before the start of flu season. In the United States, the flu season typically extends from October to March.

The Food and Drug Administration has also approved a nasal spray vaccine (FluMist) for healthy children age 5 and older. However, FluMist isn't approved for children with chronic conditions or illnesses.